EU members approve Privacy Shield with US

News General Europe 8 JUL 2016
EU members approve Privacy Shield with US
Members of the EU have approved the proposed 'Privacy Shield' agreement with the US on the transfer of personal data between the EU and US. First proposed in February, the agreement is designed to replace the former 'safe harbour' status for the US as a safe destination for personal data of EU citizens. This status was struck down last year by the European Court of Justice, which found that the US did not provide enough safeguards for personal data or the opportunity for legal redress by EU citizens whose data may have been compromised. This put it in violation with fundamental rights to privacy in the EU. 

European commissioners Andrus Ansip and Vera Jourova said in a statement that the Privacy Shield "will ensure a high level of protection for individuals and legal certainty for business. It is fundamentally different from the old 'Safe Harbour'". The US has given written assurances to the EU that US law enforcement authorities will be subject to clear limitations on their access to the data of EU residents, a key concern of the EU court in light of the revelations of mass surveillance by US intelligence services. In addition, a new ombudsman will be able to mediate in disputes over use of personal data in the US, and EU residents will be able to seek legal redress in the US.

The new agreement must still be formally approved by the European Commission, expected in the coming week, before it can take effect. 

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