Understanding the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield

Introduction

The EU-U.S. Privacy Shield agreement, effective since July 12, 2016, facilitates data transfer between the European Union (EU) and the United States (U.S.) to maintain strong commercial ties.

Importance of Data Transfer

Data transfer is vital for transatlantic relationships, especially in the global digital economy, involving personal data such as:

• Name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Credit card number
• National insurance or employee number
• Login name
• Gender and marital status

EU-U.S. Privacy Shield

The EU-U.S. Privacy Shield ensures continued high-level data protection when personal data is transferred from the EU to the U.S.:

• Protection: Data protection rules and safeguards apply, regardless of citizenship.

Tools for Data Transfer

Various tools are available for transferring personal data, including contractual clauses, binding corporate rules, and the Privacy Shield:

• Privacy Shield: U.S. companies must adhere to the Privacy Principles and register with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Privacy Shield Management

The U.S. Department of Commerce oversees the Privacy Shield:

• Compliance: Companies must renew their membership annually and maintain a privacy policy aligned with Privacy Principles.

Additional Resources

Download links regarding the Privacy Shield are provided in the course materials.