WASHINGTON – June 21, 2019 – BSA | The Software Alliance and other industry leaders sent a multi-association letter to the Department of Justice, encouraging the US government to pursue a comprehensive agreement with the European Union on law enforcement access to data stored overseas. Passage of the CLOUD Act in March 2018 was a critical first step in modernizing the US approach to law enforcement access to digital evidence. The letter argues it is now time to realize the potential of this legislation due to the European Council’s adoption of a negotiating mandate on this issue. An EU-wide agreement with the US would resolve potential conflicts of law that threaten US businesses, improve collaboration between US and EU law enforcement, and define rule of law processes to protect values on both sides of the Atlantic.

Other signees include ACT | The App Association, Coalition of Services Industries (CSI), Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), Consumer Technology Association (CTA), Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), Internet Association, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Reform Government Surveillance, Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), TechNet, Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We hope the US will take the opportunity to pursue a comprehensive agreement and provide much-needed clarity for US businesses operating in Europe.