EDPB Approves Europrivacy GDPR Certifications
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has approved two key opinions aimed at facilitating international data transfers while strengthening personal data protection under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). One opinion extends the use of the Europrivacy certification, a European Data Protection Seal, to companies located outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). This allows non-European companies to demonstrate their compliance with GDPR requirements, opening the certification to a global audience.
The second opinion introduces a specific version of the Europrivacy certification criteria designed as a mechanism for international data transfers under Article 46 of the GDPR. This certification, combined with binding and enforceable commitments by data importers, enables companies outside the EEA to prove their adequacy in handling personal data from Europe. This development simplifies cross-border data transfers by reducing legal risks and due diligence efforts, while improving trust and legal certainty between data exporters and importers.
GDPR certification offers significant business advantages by turning compliance into a competitive asset. Certified companies can enhance their reputation, attract investors, and reduce monitoring costs associated with third-party data processors. Certification also supports data controllers by lowering the liability risks related to their data processors’ actions. Independent third-party audits ensure ongoing compliance, making certification a reliable tool for demonstrating GDPR adherence and simplifying regulatory obligations.
Compared to other GDPR mechanisms for international data transfers, such as binding corporate rules and standard contractual clauses, certification provides stronger legal benefits and greater reliability. It is the only mechanism explicitly recognized for demonstrating compliance with data protection by design and by default. The EDPB’s approval of Europrivacy certification for international use, alongside the globally recognized Interprivacy scheme, supports a digital economy that respects individual rights while facilitating responsible data flows across borders.
