EU-US Agree Privacy Framework to Further Develop Global Data Regulations

The European Commission and the US have agreed a pact for the development of a new EU-US Data Privacy Framework which aims to ease European concerns over any personal information that is shared with US intelligence agencies.

The EU-US agreement means Europeans will be allowed to object if they suspect that their data has been collected by American intelligence and means Meta, Google and other tech giants can continue sharing information with the US.

The news follows the recent UK and US ‘Data Bridge’, an extension of the Data Privacy Framework, set to boost over £79m data exports, highlighting a global push for better regulation around data.

The Privacy Framework also pledges that only ‘necessary and proportionate data’ will be collected as A Data Protection Review Court, made up of US judges, will be created to hear the claims regarding objections.

The announcement coincides with the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States, where wider discussions on partnering on an inclusive and responsible digital transformation package were announced.

"This commitment in principle is the result of 2 years of positive and productive discussions with the United States. Data bridges not only offer simpler avenues for the safe transfer of personal data between countries, but also remove red tape for businesses of all sizes and allow them to access new markets.

"International collaboration is key to our science and technology superpower ambitions, and working with global partners like the United States ensures we can open new opportunities to grow our innovation economy."

- Chloe Smith, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology

Sridhar Iyengar, Managing Director of Zoho Europe, commented: “Data is a central business tool across many sectors so it is encouraging to see the EU and US collaborating to further enhance its benefits. It has become one of the most valuable resources that businesses can use, informing strategic decision-making from forecasting to addressing operational inefficiencies to customer preferences, and much more.”

“For the full benefits and potential of data to be realised, ensuring a safe and ethical approach to the collection, storage and use of personal data is essential for businesses. It is great to see data regulation on the radar of many governments around the world and while this is a good starting point, organisations should create their own data policies that are transparent and safeguard customers. Customers are increasingly aware of how their data is used and to maintain trust and a good customer experience, ensuring ethical use is critical.”

The news follows the recent UK-US Data Bridge, set to facilitate the free flow of personal data between the two countries, speeding up data enabled services to the US which was followed by the UK being given Associate status in the Global Cross Boarder Privacy Rules.