Brussels/Washington DC — EU and U.S. officials have reportedly reached an agreement on transatlantic data transfers. Today’s signing of the so-called “umbrella agreement” comes after four years of negotiations on how Europe and the U.S. can share data for law enforcement purposes.
But it will not take effect until approved by the European Parliament, which is waiting for the U.S. to pass the Judicial Redress Act. This pending legislation would give Europeans and the citizens of other U.S. allies the right to ensure data held about them is accurate.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association has advocated for Congress’ swift passage of the bipartisan Judicial Redress Act and is co-hosting a briefing on Capitol Hill Thursday with Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., speaking on behalf of the legislation.
The following can be attributed to CCIA privacy counsel Bijan Madhani, who will be moderating that event:
“U.S. and EU negotiators have done their part, and it now falls to Congress to take the next step towards restoring trust in transatlantic data transfers. The Judicial Redress Act provides a needed judicial remedy to citizens of select allies, including EU member states, which would reciprocate rights that U.S. citizens already enjoy in Europe.“
The following can be attributed to CCIA Europe Director Christian Borggreen:
“This long-awaited agreement on data flows between the EU and U.S. is welcomed news and will help restore transatlantic trust. We repeat our call on the U.S. Congress to pass the Judicial Redress Act.”