by Angela Guess
According to a recent press release, “The EU is developing new rules to allow non-personal data to move freely and easily across country borders. Member states’ ambassadors (Permanent Representatives Committee) today agreed on a mandate for the presidency to launch negotiations with the European Parliament on the proposal, which aims to boost the EU data economy by removing any unjustified restrictions on the geographical location for storing or processing data. At the same time, the new law would ensure that authorities have access to data stored or processed in another member state so that they can carry out their duties. In essence, the new rules will create a single market for data storage and processing services, such as cloud computing. They will provide legal certainty and increase trust in the use of these services. Together, this draft regulation and the general data protection regulation adopted last year will provide a coherent set of rules that cater for free movement of different types of data.”
The release goes on, “Eliminating data localisation measures is expected to drive down the costs of data services, give companies greater flexibility in organising their data management and data analytics, and expand their choice of providers. A company operating in several member states will be able to avoid the costs of duplication of IT infrastructure. Removing data localisation restrictions is considered a key factor for the data economy to reach its full potential and double its value to 4% of European GDP in 2020. ‘Data is at the heart of all modern economies and societies and can generate immense value. Seamless data mobility saves costs for businesses, especially for start-ups and SMEs, and is essential for many next-generation digital services. This proposal has been a top priority for the Estonian presidency, so I am very pleased that we now have a mandate ready for the Bulgarian presidency to kick off talks with the European Parliament as soon as the Parliament is ready,’ said Urve Palo, Estonian Minister for Entrepreneurship and Information Technology.”
Read more at the Council of the EU website.
Photo credit: Council of the EU