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The UK and US have dedicated in precept to facilitate the free move of non-public information between the UK and the US via a brand new ‘information bridge’
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in 2021, the UK exported greater than £79 million of data-enabled providers to the US. An information bridge would velocity up processes for companies, cut back prices, and enhance alternative by making it simpler for British enterprise to function and commerce internationally
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the announcement coincides with the Prime Minister’s go to to the US, the place wider discussions on partnering on an inclusive and accountable digital transformation package deal had been introduced
The UK and the US have reached a dedication in precept to determine the UK Extension to the Knowledge Privateness Framework, which might see the creation of a brand new ‘information bridge’ between the two nations. US corporations who’re accredited to hitch the framework, would be capable to obtain UK private information beneath the brand new information bridge.
Worldwide information transfers are central to modern-day enterprise transactions, and the US is likely one of the UK’s main buying and selling companions in data-enabled exports. In 2021, 93% of the UK’s providers exports had been data-enabled, and the UK exported greater than £79 billion of those providers (about 30% of the UK’s complete data-enabled providers exports) to the US. Regardless of this relationship, burdensome pink tape is an inescapable half of the present preparations. Most UK companies who wish to ship private information to a service supplier or firm in the US should have pricey contract clauses in place to make sure safety and privateness requirements are maintained. An information bridge would take away that burden, rushing up processes for companies, lowering prices, and growing alternative by making it simpler for British companies to function and commerce internationally.
The results of 2 years of technical discussions between the UK and the US, this information bridge (if finalised) would see either side of the Atlantic realising the elevated advantages of data-enabled commerce, stimulating financial development throughout the two areas, and inspiring extra companies to function on a worldwide scale.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Know-how, Chloe Smith, mentioned:
This dedication in precept is the results of 2 years of optimistic and productive discussions with the US. Knowledge bridges not solely supply easier avenues for the protected switch of non-public information between nations, but in addition take away pink tape for companies of all sizes and permit them to entry new markets.
Worldwide collaboration is essential to our science and expertise superpower ambitions, and dealing with international companions like the US ensures we are able to open new alternatives to develop our innovation financial system.
The institution of a ‘information bridge’ would additionally assist drive trans-Atlantic analysis and innovation by offering better certainty for organisations wishing to collaborate and share information with trans-Atlantic companions, enabling us to share essential info which may improve life-saving analysis and encourage science and innovation throughout borders.
Strengthening the rights and safeguards of UK people, guaranteeing sturdy and dependable information flows, and lowering burdens on enterprise are the important thing pillars underpinning the dedication in precept.
The UK already has an identical association in place with a number of different key accomplice nations, together with the Republic of Korea, with which UK companies at the moment are capable of share private information securely with out restrictions. The Republic of Korea determination marked the UK’s first unbiased information bridge since leaving the European Union.
Additional technical work will now be accomplished within the coming months earlier than a choice on whether or not to determine the info bridge is made.
Notes to editors
- The UK and the US have dedicated in precept to determine a knowledge bridge for the UK extension to the EU-US Knowledge Privateness Framework
- EU-US Knowledge Privateness Framework is a bespoke, opt-in certification scheme for US corporations, enforced by the Federal Commerce Fee and Division of Transportation, and administered by the Division of Commerce
- The Knowledge Privateness Framework may be joined by US organisations who meet the mandatory certification necessities. An information bridge would keep away from the necessity for companies to utilise pricey and inefficient different switch mechanisms, equivalent to particular person contractual clauses, when transferring private information
- The Authorities will proceed to finalise its information bridge evaluation taking into consideration the safety offered for private information, the rule of regulation, respect for human rights and basic freedoms, and the existence and efficient functioning of a regulator, and can formally seek the advice of the Info Commissioner, per the necessities of the Knowledge Safety Act 2018, and as set out within the memorandum of understanding
- Finalising the info bridge is a key deliverable for UK-US information flows in 2023 as set out on the Inaugural Assembly of the U.S.-UK Complete Dialogue on Know-how and Knowledge.
- Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Know-how Chloe Smith and US Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo have issued a joint assertion welcoming the Prime Minister and President’s announcement of a dedication in precept.