FT / Duncan Robinson

A new deal struck between the US and EU will avoid indiscriminate surveillance of data by the US government – a fear that many in the international community had for several years surrounding the methods previously used to transfer sensitive data (such as photos, payslips and so on). “Safe Harbour” had been declared illegal by the European Court of Justice, which meant tech companies had to find new, legal and safe ways to transfer data internationally. This new EU-US privacy shield will mean companies transferring data will be required to meet privacy standards akin to those in the EU, and be under the overwatch of an ombudsman (in the US) who will be able to field complaints. However, all is not good, privacy activists have called this new ruling a joke, suggesting that this deal will undermine fundamental EU rights. How does this impact a continued relationship between Europe and the US, especially once Trump is President?

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