> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.law4devs.eu/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# ePrivacy Directive (ePD)

> Directive 2002/58/EC on Privacy and Electronic Communications (as amended).

## Overview

| Field        | Value                                                                                          |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **CELEX**    | 32002L0058                                                                                     |
| **Status**   | Active                                                                                         |
| **Articles** | 21                                                                                             |
| **Recitals** | 48                                                                                             |
| **EUR-Lex**  | [View Official Text](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32002L0058) |

## Compliance Deadlines

| Date       | Type             | Description                                             |
| ---------- | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| 2002-07-31 | Entry into force | Directive enters into force (multiple amendments since) |

## Stakeholder Roles

The ePrivacy Directive defines obligations for the following stakeholder roles:

* **manufacturer** - Developers of cookies, tracking technologies, and communication tools
* **importer** - Entities bringing electronic communication services into the EU
* **distributor** - Providers of publicly available electronic communications services
* **authorized\_representative** - EU representatives for non-EU service providers
* **notified\_body** - Bodies for communications service certification
* **market\_surveillance** | National regulatory authorities
* **consumer** - Users of electronic communications services

## Requirement Types

Requirements in the ePrivacy Directive are classified as:

* **obligation** - Mandatory requirements for electronic communications providers
* **prohibition** - Prohibited practices (unsolicited communications, unauthorized access)
* **right** - Rights of subscribers and users
* **procedure** - Consent and notification procedures
* **general** - General provisions and definitions

## API Usage

```bash theme={null}
# Get all ePrivacy Directive articles
curl https://api.law4devs.eu/v1/frameworks/eprivacy/articles

# Get ePrivacy Directive framework details
curl https://api.law4devs.eu/v1/frameworks/eprivacy

# Get ePrivacy Directive requirements
curl https://api.law4devs.eu/v1/frameworks/eprivacy/requirements

# Get ePrivacy Directive recitals
curl https://api.law4devs.eu/v1/frameworks/eprivacy/recitals
```

```python theme={null}
# Python SDK
from law4devs import Law4Devs

client = Law4Devs(api_key="your-api-key")

# List all ePrivacy Directive articles
articles = client.articles.list("eprivacy")

# Get ePrivacy Directive requirements by stakeholder role
requirements = client.requirements.list("eprivacy", role="manufacturer")

# Search ePrivacy Directive articles by tag
articles = client.articles.search("eprivacy", query="cookie consent")
```

```typescript theme={null}
// TypeScript SDK
import { Law4Devs } from '@law4devs/sdk';

const client = new Law4Devs({ apiKey: 'your-api-key' });

// List all ePrivacy Directive articles
const articles = await client.articles.list('eprivacy');

// Get ePrivacy Directive requirements by stakeholder role
const requirements = await client.requirements.list('eprivacy', { role: 'manufacturer' });
```

## Key Topics

* Cookie consent requirements (the "cookie law")
* Confidentiality of communications
* Traffic and location data restrictions
* Unsolicited communications (spam, cold calls)
* Security of networks and services
* Caller/called line identification restrictions
* Relationship with GDPR (lex specialis)