Newsflash: EU–US Privacy Shield

New EU–US data transfer arrangements have today (2 February 2016) been approved by the EU Commission. The new framework is known as the “EU-US Privacy Shield” and is a substitute for the previous “Safe Harbour” scheme which was declared invalid on 6 October 2015 (see Article: Data Transfers to the US – you can no longer rely on Safe Harbour!).

The next steps are for the US to put in place the new framework, and for the EU to adopt a formal adequacy decision. The decision would determine that the new framework ensures an adequate level of protection to overcome restrictions on international transfers of personal data under EU data protection law – in other words, a new solution for EU to US data transfers.

The EU Commission press release is here: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-216_en.htm

Olivia Whitcroft, principal of OBEP, 2 February 2016

This article provides general information on the subject matter and is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice. If you would like to discuss this topic, please contact Olivia Whitcroft using the contact details set out here: Contact Details