Developing an Adequate Legal Framework for International Data Transfers

REINVENTING DATA PROTECTION? S. Gutwirth, eds., pp. 263-273, Springer Science+Business Media B.V., 2009

11 Pages Posted: 31 Aug 2009

See all articles by Christopher Kuner

Christopher Kuner

Centre for Information and Innovation Law, University of Copenhagen; Centre for European Legal Studies; European Centre on Privacy and Cybersecurity, Maastricht University

Date Written: July 1, 2009

Abstract

With the EU Data Protection Directive having been in force now for nearly ten years, it is wise to examine the basic concepts and assumptions on which the Directive is based, to determine whether it is functioning properly. It is the thesis of this paper that the present EU legal framework for “adequacy” decisions for the international transfer of personal data is inadequate, in both a procedural and substantive sense, and needs reform. The framework was created for a world in which the Internet was not widely used, and in which data did not flow as easily across national borders as they do now. The present system of adequacy decisions has been grievously overloaded by the great increase in data flows in the past few years, and also drains resources that could better be used in other areas of data protection. European policymakers should take a hard look at the current adequacy system and its present failings, and reform the system in a way that more effectively protects the interests of data controllers, individuals, and data protection supervisory authorities.

Keywords: European Union, data protection, privacy, adequacy, international data transfers, global data flows, APEC, accountability

Suggested Citation

Kuner, Christopher, Developing an Adequate Legal Framework for International Data Transfers (July 1, 2009). REINVENTING DATA PROTECTION? S. Gutwirth, eds., pp. 263-273, Springer Science+Business Media B.V., 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1464323

Christopher Kuner (Contact Author)

Centre for Information and Innovation Law, University of Copenhagen ( email )

Studiestraede 6
Studiestrade 6
Copenhagen, DK-1455
Denmark

Centre for European Legal Studies ( email )

10 West Road
Cambridge, CB3 9DZ
United Kingdom

European Centre on Privacy and Cybersecurity, Maastricht University ( email )

P.O. Box 616
Maastricht, 6200
Netherlands

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