European Supervisor Wants to Tighten up EU-U.S. Agreement
Following a new privacy shield agreement, which upon approval will replace an expired Safe Harbor pact between the U.S. and the EU Commission, European Data Protection Supervisor Giovanni Buttarelli last week said he supported the agreement. However, Supervisor Buttarelli said for the agreement to succeed, it must address what he calls “essential improvements.” Buttarelli’s office the EDPS offered nine recommendations for the agreement, with particular concerns pertaining to the efficacy of judicial redress, the prevention of bulk transfer of sensitive data and ensuring that all safeguards apply to everyone protected by the agreement, not just EU nationals.
“The EDPS has long argued, and I continue to underline, that the EU needs sustainable arrangements,” Buttarelli said during a presentation before the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee of the European Parliament. “Until now, the EU has lacked a robust common framework. Currently, there are no consistent safeguards for individuals’ fundamental rights and freedoms, so I welcome and actively support the efforts of the European Commission to reach, for the first time, a general agreement with the U.S.”
The privacy-shield agreement isn’t subject to U.S. congressional approval, but the 28 EU member states must approve the plan.
Related stories:
