European Commission Publishes Draft UK Data Transfer Adequacy Determination
On February 19, 2021, the European Commission published a draft data protection adequacy decision relating to the UK. If the draft decision is adopted, organizations in the EU will be able to continue to transfer personal data to organizations in the UK without restriction, and will not need to rely upon data transfer mechanisms, such as the EU Standard Contractual Clauses, to ensure an adequate level of protection.
Before the decision is formally adopted, the European Data Protection Board will issue a non-binding (although likely persuasive) opinion in relation to the decision. The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties also will issue a non-binding opinion in relation to the decision. The decision will be formally adopted after it has been approved by the EU Member States acting through the European Council.
