BRUSSELS – July 16, 2020 – The Global Data Alliance regrets today’s decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to invalidate the EU-US Privacy Shield but welcomes the preservation of Standard Contractual Clauses for international data transfers including to the United States.

“Companies in all sectors increasingly rely on the ability to transfer data responsibly around the world, even more so today as many have moved their businesses online to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Isabelle Roccia, Senior Policy Manager at BSA | The Software Alliance on behalf of the Global Data Alliance. “Companies transfer personal data to send emails, process payroll, and work with their suppliers and customers around the world. This issue is important for all industries, not just the tech sector.”

Standard Contractual Clauses are an important transfer mechanism used in Europe by 90 percent of companies that transfer data internationally. The Global Data Alliance stands ready to support the European Commission and Data Protection Authorities as they address the cross-sectoral implications of the ruling.

About the Global Data Alliance

The Global Data Alliance (globaldataalliance.org) is a cross-industry coalition of companies that are committed to high standards of data responsibility and that rely on the ability to transfer data around the world to innovate and create jobs. The Alliance supports policies that help instill trust in the digital economy while safeguarding the ability to transfer data across borders and refraining from imposing data localization requirements that restrict trade.

Alliance members include BSA members and American Express, Amgen, AT&T, ITB360, LEGO, Mastercard, Panasonic, Pfizer, Roche, United Airlines, Verizon, Visa, and WD-40 Company. These companies are headquartered across the globe and are active in the advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, energy, financial services, health, supply chain, and telecommunications sectors, among others. BSA | The Software Alliance administers the Global Data Alliance.