EU lawmakers reach consensus on measures to prevent unauthorized data transfers.

By Foo Yun Chee; Edited by News Gate Team

9 February, Brussels (Reuters) – On Thursday, a crucial committee of the European Parliament adopted strict measures to stop non-EU countries from obtaining unauthorized access to EU data, triggering condemnation from a tech advocacy organization.

The Industry, Research, and Energy Committee of the Parliament will ask EU legislators for their approval next month for revisions that will enable it to begin talks with EU nations on the specifics of the draft Data Act of the European Commission.

As part of a slew of regulations aimed at limiting the influence of American tech companies, the draft bill spells out rights and obligations on the use of EU consumer and corporate data created in smart devices, machines, and consumer items.

Since former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden revealed widespread U.S. monitoring in 2013, worries in the EU over data transfers have increased.

According to legislator Pilar del Castillo Vera, who is leading the measure in the assembly, “The Data Act will be an absolute game-changer,” giving access to an almost endless amount of high-quality industrial data.

The committee established stronger requirements for business-to-government data requests and put protections in place to prevent cloud service providers from transferring illegally acquired international data.

Tech industry trade group ITI stated that regulations regulating transfers of non-personal data that go beyond those outlined in EU privacy rules for personal data may be taking things too far.

Guido Lobrano, director general of ITI for Europe, said that the level of risk created by non-personal data “certainly does not justify” this.

“The foundation of the digital economy, data flows enable businesses to connect with customers and enter new industries. Data flow limits should not be added by the Data Act as this would hurt the European economy “said he.

BEUC, an organization representing consumers across Europe, approved.

“A strong ban on the use of dark patterns by both data holders and third parties is a truly great move. For instance, this will stop consumers from being duped into granting consent to the processing of their personal data “Maryant Fernandez Perez, a senior executive in charge of digital policy, stated.

By Foo Yun Chee; Edited by News Gate Team

EU lawmakers' body agrees on safeguards against illegal data transfers https://t.co/aMQx2lMbEu pic.twitter.com/7mOPykE5Wc

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