The recently appointed EU Digital chief Andrus Ansip has used his confirmation hearing to demand stronger Data Security Policy, even taking the bold step as to suggest that US failure to provide EU citizens with adequate data protection may result in the EU stepping out of the Safe Harbour data sharing Agreement. This agreement allows US companies to move Europeans’ data to America as long as the companies uphold the same privacy rules.
The former Estonian Prime Minister’s comments could have major implications for American tech giants like Google and Facebook. A proponent of Rights to Internet Privacy, Ansip has backed efforts to Draft a Charter of Internet Rights. He further vowed to increase cybersecurity, enable easier cross-border online purchases and work to abolish roaming costs. And he wants the new Commission to support open source software! Ansip most certainly has a busy start but first he must convince Parliament and gain their confidence, even if it is merely procedural!
