European Union member states have agreed that UK standards for the protection of personal data are sufficiently high that such information can continue to flow between the EU and its newly free former member, the European Commission has said.
Their backing will allow the Commission to adopt two adequacy decisions before the end of June to allow a seamless transition at the end of a six-month grace period during which flows were allowed after UK’s final exit from the bloc.
The decisions relate to the EU’s overarching General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and to a directive on the processing of personal data connected with criminal offences, particularly for victims, witnesses and suspects.
Global software alliance BSA said it welcomed the EU member states’ endorsement, commenting that adequacy frameworks were pivotal for personal data transfers of thousands of businesses operating in Europe.
As a wannabe nation state, the EU frequently flexes on technology. It has previously recognised as ‘adequate’ the data standards of other countries, such as Argentina, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and Switzerland.
Georgina Kon, technology specialist partner at law firm Linklaters, said businesses could breathe a sigh of relief.
“However, due to the uniqueness of the UK decision (which has no end-date but is subject to constant review), we know that the European Commission will be watching the UK closely,” she said, adding it would particularly watch Britain’s planned liberalisation of its data transfer regime.
The team at Platform Executive hope you have enjoyed the ‘[post_title]’ article. Automatic translation from English to a growing list of languages via Google AI Cloud Translation. Initial reporting via our official content partners at Thomson Reuters. Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop. Editing by Catherine Evans.
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