--- title: "Article 12 — Directories of subscribers" type: regulation legal_status: in_force source: "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02002L0058-20091219" source_retrieved: 2026-10-01 shortTitle: "Article 12 — Directories of subscribers" instrument_type: level1_directive authority: Commission binding: true binding_character: binding mica_level2: false legal_basis: "Directive 2002/58/EC" instrument: eprivacy celex: "32002L0058" regulation: ePrivacy regulation-full: "Directive 2002/58/EC" article: 12 status: in_force object_id: eu.eprivacy.legal_text.article.12 text_version: "Consolidated version of 19 December 2009" source_url: "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02002L0058-20091219" check_status: matched verified: true last_checked: 2026-10-26 --- *In force · Consolidated version of 19 December 2009 · Checked against EUR-Lex on 26 Oct 2026 · [Official source](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02002L0058-20091219)* 1. Member States shall ensure that subscribers are informed, free of charge and before they are included in the directory, about the purpose(s) of a printed or electronic directory of subscribers available to the public or obtainable through directory enquiry services, in which their personal data can be included and of any further usage possibilities based on search functions embedded in electronic versions of the directory. 2. Member States shall ensure that subscribers are given the opportunity to determine whether their personal data are included in a public directory, and if so, which, to the extent that such data are relevant for the purpose of the directory as determined by the provider of the directory, and to verify, correct or withdraw such data. Not being included in a public subscriber directory, verifying, correcting or withdrawing personal data from it shall be free of charge. 3. Member States may require that for any purpose of a public directory other than the search of contact details of persons on the basis of their name and, where necessary, a minimum of other identifiers, additional consent be asked of the subscribers. 4. Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall apply to subscribers who are natural persons. Member States shall also ensure, in the framework of Community law and applicable national legislation, that the legitimate interests of subscribers other than natural persons with regard to their entry in public directories are sufficiently protected. *** [Chapter II — Specific provisions](../chapters/ii.md) · [← Article 11](11.md) · [Article 13 →](13.md)