To Do: Impose Reciprocal Measures on Countries that Limit Data Transfers
Recommendation
The administration should limit the transfer of U.S. citizens’ data to nations that limit the transfer of their citizens’ data.
Details
Secure cross-border data flows are important for generating economic benefits, particularly for SMEs. Yet, European leaders have claimed that storing and processing European data in Europe is not protectionist simply because the data “belongs in Europe.” This is, in fact, protectionism. If the EU refuses to work with the United States and negotiate unimpeded data flow arrangements across the Atlantic, the United States should do the same. The administration should limit the transfer of U.S.-person data to European companies in Europe, as well as every other country that imposes data transfer limitations.
Keep reading:
▪ Robert D. Atkinson, “Testimony to the US House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee: Protecting American Innovation by Establishing and Enforcing Strong Digital Trade Rules” (ITIF, September 2024), https://itif.org/publications/2024/09/20/testimony-house-ways-and-means-trade-subcommittee-strong-digital-trade-rules/.
