EU Influence on Data Privacy Laws: Is the U.S. Approach Converging with the EU Model?

Colorado Technology Law Journal, Vol. 18, No. 1, 2020

24 Pages Posted: 18 Mar 2020

See all articles by Emmanuel Pernot-Leplay

Emmanuel Pernot-Leplay

Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) - KoGuan Law School; Tilburg University - Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (TILT)

Date Written: 2020

Abstract

Whereas studies on EU and US privacy laws often focus on their differences, this article proposes to identify signs of convergence.

In the field of personal data protection, the EU has a strong and demonstrated influence on the laws of third countries. Building upon legal transplantation theories discussed in the comparative law literature, I first argue that this influence is sought after by the EU itself. I explain why its goal is to be a gold standard on the field, drawing foreign countries to transplant EU laws into their domestic legal framework.

This proved successful and so far, the US has been the most notable exception to this trend. A comparative analysis of both legal frameworks shows that the different rationale behind privacy protection in both countries explains the divergence.
However, signs of convergence with the EU model are coming up at the US state level (e.g. in California with the CCPA), which may eventually force the federal government to react.

Keywords: Convergence, Data Privacy, European Union, GDPR, United States

Suggested Citation

Pernot-Leplay, Emmanuel and Pernot-Leplay, Emmanuel, EU Influence on Data Privacy Laws: Is the U.S. Approach Converging with the EU Model? (2020). Colorado Technology Law Journal, Vol. 18, No. 1, 2020, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3542730

Emmanuel Pernot-Leplay (Contact Author)

Tilburg University - Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (TILT) ( email )

P.O.Box 90153
Prof. Cobbenhagenlaan 221
Tilburg, 5037
Netherlands

Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) - KoGuan Law School ( email )

HOME PAGE: http://pernot-leplay.com/

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