EU Strikes Down the Safe Harbor Framework for Transatlantic Data Transfers: What You Should Know and What to Do Next
The European Court of Justice has declared invalid the Safe Harbor data-transfer agreement that has governed EU data flows across the Atlantic for the last 15 years. Thousands of U.S. companies have relied on the Safe Harbor to lawfully engage in businesses in the region, as have companies in the E.U. that outsource data processing and related services to the U.S.
The decision immediately calls into question compliance by such companies with the European Data Protection Directive, and with fundamental European rights such as the right to privacy (under Article 8 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights).
For additional information on the impact of the decision, please read the full alert which summaries potential options as companies respond and react to this ruling.
For questions regarding this decision and recommendations for next steps, please consult with Steve Cosentino, Tim Feathers, Jessica Kracl or your usual Stinson Leonard Street LLP attorney.