EU Endorses Privacy Pact With U.S.
The European Commission endorsed a data protection agreement on Thursday for personal data to be transferred from EU nations to the United States.
Published reports said the EU’s executive body decided that a “safe harbor” arrangement put in place by the U.S. Department of Commerce in March provided adequate protection for personal data transferred from the EU.
The arrangement provides guidelines in which personal data transferred to the U.S. will be better protected, while making that transfer easier for the EU and U.S. businesses.
Participation in the U.S. safe harbor scheme in optional, it’s rules are binding on U.S. companies that decide to join. Federal U.S. agencies would enforce the rules.
The decision removed fears that their could be a trade dispute with the U.S. over the issue.
