BEERG Newsletter - Transatlantic Data Transfers: U.S. + EU signal resolve to make DPF work

Derek Mooney writes: Last week the EU Commission announced that it had adopted its much-awaited adequacy decision on the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF) – thus giving a lawful basis for trans-Atlantic data transfers certifying compliance with DPF principles.

This week, in a clear signal that both EU and US authorities are determined to make this new data transfer framework work for the long-term, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Commerce and the European Commission issued a joint statement confirming a: “…joint commitment to promoting economic opportunity while protecting individual privacy rights”.  Speaking in Washington, the EU’s Justice Commissioner, Didier Reynders said. 

“The EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework represents a significant achievement for safe and trusted transatlantic data flows… The new framework guarantees the fundamental right of Europeans for the protection of their personal data and brings legal certainty for companies on both sides of the Atlantic. Today’s meeting …shows the EU and the U.S. are like-minded partners that can work together to find solid solutions to complex issues.”

While the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said: 

“Now, businesses – large and small – will be able to access a streamlined and affordable mechanism to transfer data between our jurisdictions. To meet the needs of businesses, the Commerce Department launched the DPF program website today, giving companies a one-stop-shop where they can sign up for the DPF program and get important information about its benefits.”

US Commerce Dept DPF website: https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/s/ 

EU Commission DPF Q&A: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_3752