U.S. and EU Agree on Data Protection Principles
This week the United States and European Union achieved a major milestone in data protection and data sharing. The U.S. – EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial completed a set of common principles that unite our approaches to protecting personal data when exchanging information for law enforcement and security purposes.
The Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and State have worked with experts from the EU Presidency and Commission for the past three years to develop these principles. Leadership on both sides of the Atlantic share a deeply rooted commitment to the protection of personal data and privacy when it comes to information sharing. This practical approach will enable Europe and the United States to remain global leaders in privacy protection as we work to protect our citizens from common threats to our security.
The next step is negotiating a binding international EU-U.S. agreement based on these common principles to facilitate further cooperation while ensuring the availability of full protection for our citizens. The Department of Homeland Security looks forward to being a part of those efforts in the months ahead.
Mary Ellen Callahan
Chief Privacy Officer
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
EU-US Joint Statement on "Enhancing transatlantic cooperation in the area of Justice, Freedom and Security" (PDF, 7 pages - 116KB)
The Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and State have worked with experts from the EU Presidency and Commission for the past three years to develop these principles. Leadership on both sides of the Atlantic share a deeply rooted commitment to the protection of personal data and privacy when it comes to information sharing. This practical approach will enable Europe and the United States to remain global leaders in privacy protection as we work to protect our citizens from common threats to our security.
The next step is negotiating a binding international EU-U.S. agreement based on these common principles to facilitate further cooperation while ensuring the availability of full protection for our citizens. The Department of Homeland Security looks forward to being a part of those efforts in the months ahead.
Mary Ellen Callahan
Chief Privacy Officer
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
EU-US Joint Statement on "Enhancing transatlantic cooperation in the area of Justice, Freedom and Security" (PDF, 7 pages - 116KB)
Labels: data protection, international, privacy
posted by Homeland Security Blog Team at
9:11 AM
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
8 Comments:
I was very happy to read this article and to learn that the Department of Homeland Security is working with the EU for the benefit of both parties.
In these times of uncertain economic stability and two wars being fought in the Middle East, countries may adopt isolationist policies, with the intention of helping their individual country. However, it seems to me, that the best way to get through tough times is with increased cooperation, not isolation.
It has become increasingly important for government agencies to work harder to protect data and other information available online. As is seen with the cyber attacks against countries such as Georgia and Estonia, the need to protect data has become an issue of national security.
In the time after 9-11, the sharing of personal data for security purposes has become more important. Sharing information on passengers traveling by plane from Europe into the United States, and vice versa, can be a way to protect both from possible security threats.
Despite some differences between the US and the EU, the two are still natural allies. The US and the EU share cultural and historical backgrounds that tie them together. These connections that the EU and the US share far outweigh the differences that the two may have in policy areas.
As President Obama has said, “when nations and peoples allow themselves to be defined by their differences, the gulf between them widens.” Therefore, if the EU and the US can focus on their common areas of interest and background, this could be the basis for a lasting transatlantic partnership.
By
Shawn A, At
November 9, 2009 10:10 PM
I was very happy to read this article and to learn that the Department of Homeland Security is working with the EU for the benefit of both parties.
In these times of uncertain economic stability and two wars being fought in the Middle East, countries may adopt isolationist policies, with the intention of helping their individual country. However, it seems to me, that the best way to get through tough times is with increased cooperation, not isolation.
By
seo xwise, At
December 3, 2009 6:07 AM
I was very happy to read this article and to learn that the Department of Homeland Security is working with the EU for the benefit of both parties.
In these times of uncertain economic stability and two wars being fought in the Middle East, countries may adopt isolationist policies, with the intention of helping their individual country. However, it seems to me, that the best way to get through tough times is with increased cooperation, not isolation.
By
Parier en ligne, At
January 4, 2010 12:57 PM
EU is our important friend but we do have our differences. It is good to read that despite our differences we can come to gather and agree on some thing very useful.
By
kids ghillie suit, At
January 6, 2010 6:43 PM
It's going to be some time before people in Europe trust the US again. The actions post 9-11 in Iraq and Afghanistan, the scandals of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo and completely unfair extradition treaties that favour the US are some of the immediate ones that spring to mind.
If the US and Europe have really come to an equitable data sharing agreement then it is just a small step on a long path back before the US is really seen as a country that can be trusted.
By
Barcelona football tickets, At
January 7, 2010 7:57 AM
USA for world peace and security matters. At least all as a country holding the balance. Because precision for each country to dislodge stones can be dangerous. U.S. National Security System is very important and necessary for Peace and Democracy
By
Adam, At
January 8, 2010 9:55 PM
I was very happy to read this article and to learn that the Department of Homeland Security is working with the EU for the benefit of both parties.
In these times of uncertain economic stability and two wars being fought in the Middle East, countries may adopt isolationist policies, with the intention of helping their individual country. However, it seems to me, that the best way to get through tough times is with increased cooperation, not isolation.
USA for world peace and security matters. At least all as a country holding the balance. Because precision for each country to dislodge stones can be dangerous. U.S. National Security System is very important and necessary for Peace and Democracy
By
Best Registry Cleaners, At
January 21, 2010 7:26 AM
It is imperative that the US and the EU have an open policy when it comes to sharing data in my humble opinion.
"In the time after 9-11, the sharing of personal data for security purposes has become more important. Sharing information on passengers traveling by plane from Europe into the United States, and vice versa, can be a way to protect both from possible security threats."
I could not put it any better than that!
By
Jess @ Adults Halloween Costumes, At
February 6, 2010 5:28 AM
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