A need for clear rules
The increase of in international exchanges, along with broad deployment of information and communication technologies, brings about the need for clearly defined rules for international flows of personal data. The Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC lays down the legal framework for the processing of personal data within the EU and; it also covers principles applicable to transfers of personal data to third countries and provides for several mechanisms to ensure an adequate level of protection.
Common interpretative opinions relating to international transfers
Moreover, with the purpose of facilitating international flows while ensuring the rights of individuals, major work is being carried out by EU institutions as well as by the Article 29 Working Party. In addition to the adopted Commission Decisions, the Article 29 WP has also issued common interpretative opinions relating to international transfers; and it has developed common standards for specific tools that can also be used for international data flows (Binding Corporate Rules).
The conference
This conference will examine the different mechanisms for international flows of personal data. A particular session will be devoted to the Safe Harbour system set up for transfers of personal data to the United States.
