BEYOND ADEQUACY: WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR INTERNATIONAL DATA FLOWS? - The United States and European Union (EU) have made progress on securing the sustainability of transatlantic data flows by agreeing on the US-EU Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Pending an adequacy decision from the European Commission, a critical area of the transatlantic economy will achieve a much more secure footing. Yet, especially in the face of an anticipated judicial challenge to the DPF by data privacy advocates, the durability of the agreement will continue to be an open question.

Beyond the Atlantic, questions also remain around the future of a reliable global system of data flows. Competing and varying visions for international data transfer mechanisms have led to a web of complex international systems for data flows. The EU has led the way by crafting an exportable model of data flows that incorporates strict privacy protections, while a varying US approach of open data flows secured through trade agreements retains some support abroad.

What should the future for transatlantic and international data transfer mechanisms be? Can Washington and Brussels explore other ways of engagement on this issue, through the Trade and Technology Council or a digital trade agreement? Beyond the bilateral US-EU context, how can policymakers further develop other possible methods for cooperation including the OECD, Council of Europe, G7 Data Free Flow with Trust, and Global Cross Border Privacy Rules?

Two leading US and European officials discuss the way forward for transatlantic and international data flow regimes.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 07/07/23