EU Justice Ministers Approves Talks with U.S. on Personal Data Agreement for Counter-Terrorism and Crime Purposes

On December 3, 2010, the European Union (EU) Justice Ministers approved the initiation of talks between the EU and the U.S. on a personal data protection agreement when they cooperate to combat terrorism or crime. On May 26, 2010, the European Commission adopted the draft mandate to negotiate such an agreement. The goal is to ensure a high level of protection of personal information, such as passenger data or financial information that is transferred as part of transatlantic cooperation in criminal matters. Once it becomes effective, the agreement would strengthen citizens’ right to access, rectify or delete data when it is processed with the aim to prevent, investigate, detect or prosecute criminal offenses, including terrorism...(more)...