What is the EU Safe Harbor?
The European Commission’s Directive on Data Protection went into effect in October,1998, and prohibits the transfer of personal data to non-European Union nations that do not meet the European "adequacy" standard for privacy protection. As a result of different approaches to privacy between the U.S. and the E.U., the Directive could have significantly hampered the ability of U.S. companies to engage in many trans-Atlantic transactions.
To bridge these different privacy approaches and provide a streamlined means for U.S. organizations to comply with the Directive, the U.S. Department of Commerce – in consultation with the European Commission – developed a "safe harbor" framework. The safe harbor — approved by the EU in July of 2000 — is an important way for U.S. companies to avoid experiencing interruptions in their business dealings with the EU or facing prosecution by European authorities under European privacy laws. Certifying to the safe harbor will assure that EU organizations know that your company provides "adequate" privacy protection, as defined by the Directive.
For more information on the "Safe Harbor", click here to visit the Department of Commerce site.
How BBBOnLine Can Help:
BBBOnLine offers companies two different tools to help facilitate compliance with the EU Safe Harbor:
- Join the BBBOnLine Privacy program. BBBOnLine Privacy program participants meet the EU "safe harbor" requirements – and enjoy the benefits of the BBB’s Privacy dispute resolution process. Click here for information.
- Contract for BBBOnLine third-party dispute resolution services designed specifically for the EU "Safe Harbor" process. Click here for additional information.
 We gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance received from the US Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration and the Market Development Cooperator Program -- supporting BBBOnLine's work to develop an international self-regulation program. |
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