EU-U.S. Privacy Shield launched for stronger protection of data flows

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Commission on Tuesday, July 12 adopted the agreement on the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, which governs the transfer of data between Europe and the United States, the Commission said.

This new framework protects the fundamental rights of anyone in the EU whose personal data is transferred to the United States as well as bringing legal clarity for businesses relying on transatlantic data transfers.

Andrus Ansip, Commission Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, said: "We have approved the new EU-U.S. Privacy Shield today. It will protect the personal data of our people and provide clarity for businesses. We have worked hard with all our partners in Europe and in the US to get this deal right and to have it done as soon as possible. Data flows between our two continents are essential to our society and economy – we now have a robust framework ensuring these transfers take place in the best and safest conditions".

The EU-U.S. Privacy Shield is based on several principles, including strong obligations on companies handling data, clear safeguards and transparency obligations on U.S. government access, effective protection of individual rights, as well as annual joint review mechanism.

On February 2, 2016 the European Commission and the U.S. Government reached a political agreement on the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield.