EU and US Reach Agreement in Principle on Data Flows

The EU and US have reached an agreement in principle on new rules concerning data flows between Europe and America. The future Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework includes search data and much more that passes back and forth across the Atlantic.

The new agreement is needed since a previous one was struck down by EU’s Court of Justice in July 2020. That decision was based on EU concerns over how the US government conducts surveillance of the data traded as part of its overall national security protections.

The EU says that the data sharing across the Atlantic is part of more than $1 trillion in commerce conducted every year. Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework took more than a year to negotiate. But it is merely an agreement in principle. For it to take effect the US and the EU will need to sign a new treaty on the matter.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter, “Pleased that we found an agreement in principle on a new framework for transatlantic data flows. It will enable predictable and trustworthy 🇪🇺-🇺🇸 data flows, balancing security, the right to privacy and data protection. This is another step in strengthening our partnership.”

“And we also need to continue adapting our own democracies to a changing world. This is particularly true when it comes to digitalization,” she added, “in which the protection of personal data and privacy has become so crucial. Therefore, I am very pleased that we have found an agreement in principle on a new framework for transatlantic data flows. This will enable predictable and trustworthy data flows between the EU and US, safeguarding privacy and civil liberties. I really want to thank Commissioner Reynders and Secretary Raimondo for their tireless efforts over the past months to find a balanced and effective solution. This is another step in strengthening our partnership. We manage to balance security and the right to privacy and data protection.”

President Joe Biden stated, “This new agreement will enhance the Privacy Shield Framework; promote growth and innovation in Europe and the United States; and help companies, both small and large, compete in the digital economy.”

“This framework underscores our shared commitment to privacy, to data protection, and to the rule of law,” he added. “And it’s going to allow the European Commission to once again authorize transatlantic data flows that help facilitate $7.1 trillion in economic relationships with the EU.”