Brussels, Belgium — Representatives of the EU’s national data protection authorities have recently issued a statement on the adoption of a new agreement to permit transatlantic data transfers between the EU and US. The Article 29 Working Party emphasized the importance of annual reviews and the various commitments by U.S. public authorities.
The EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, the new framework for transatlantic data transfers, was adopted in Brussels July 12 after EU Member States approved it earlier this month. It provides additional privacy safeguards after Europe’s highest court struck down the previous data transfer agreement.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association has been a longtime advocate for stronger privacy safeguards for data transfers and we welcome Privacy Shield. The following can be attributed to CCIA privacy counsel Bijan Madhani:
“We appreciate the commitment of the Article 29 Working Party to ensuring strong privacy protections in the new data transfer arrangement. Their close examination of the Privacy Shield has helped produce more clarity for companies and citizens alike, and their participation in the joint annual review process is key.”
“The ability to share information around the world is critical to the economies of Europe and the U.S. The Privacy Shield includes improved privacy safeguards with respect to both government access and commercial obligations, and will be an essential component of the transatlantic digital relationship going forward.”