WASHINGTON – BSA | The Software Alliance welcomed the adoption of the final adequacy decision of the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which sets the foundation for a new era of transatlantic digital cooperation. BSA | The Software Alliance CEO Victoria Espinel issued the following statement:

The EU-US Data Privacy Framework provides a critical mechanism to responsibly manage transatlantic data transfers, and enterprise software companies support its implementation. The framework helps to both bolster the management of data across borders – a cornerstone of our modern economy – and improve safeguards for citizens of the EU and US alike. BSA applauds leaders in the European Union and the United States for implementing the framework and adopting the adequacy decision.

Millions of US and EU citizens will benefit from the data security and privacy controls required by the framework. At the same time, businesses and organizations from every sector of the EU and US economies now enjoy improved confidence in their ability to responsibly transfer data across the Atlantic.

Importantly, this is a win for both privacy and innovation. The framework will help cement a new era of digital cooperation between the EU and the US.

BACKGROUND:

BSA | The Software Alliance has been advocating in both Brussels and Washington for an enduring transatlantic data transfer agreement. BSA participated as an amicus in the Schrems II case in Ireland and before the Court of Justice of the European Union; that case ultimately invalidated the Privacy Shield but upheld the use of Standard Contractual Clauses for EU-US data transfer. BSA, through its cross-sector initiative, the Global Data Alliance sent a multi-industry letter signed by 23 associations to the United States and the European Commission on the finalization and implementation of the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. BSA has continued to advocate for a resilient transatlantic relationship that reflects US and EU respect for privacy and human rights, while supporting the economic opportunity for citizens across the Atlantic.

Transatlantic data flows account for over one-half of Europe’s data transfers and nearly half of US data transfers. Amid a rising move toward data localization requirements in some parts of the world, the data privacy framework is a model for stable and reasonable mechanisms that build trust in responsible cross-border data transfers.

Learn more about cross-border data transfers and the importance of data transfers in every sector via BSA's Global Data Alliance.