McLean, VA – July 11, 2023 – Dona Fraser, BBB National Programs’ Senior Vice President, Privacy Initiatives, issued the following statement today on the European Commission’s official adoption of its adequacy decision for the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (EU-US DPF):   

“Adequacy is the gold standard of transfer mechanisms under the GDPR. We commend the White House, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the European Commission for achieving this remarkable and transformative milestone that propels the transatlantic economy forward and presents countless opportunities for businesses across diverse sectors. 

As the longest-running Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM) provider, the first recognized under Privacy Shield, trusted for more than 20 years by businesses of all sizes, we view this formal adoption of adequacy as an achievement that not only fosters trust in data security but also bolsters the economic ties between the European Union and the United States.

Today, the Data Privacy Framework is effective and, with appropriate instruction from the U.S. Department of Commerce, businesses can once again seamlessly transfer personal data from the EU to the U.S in compliance with EU law and we look forward to supporting those businesses in our IRM under this new Framework. 

For the more than 5,000 businesses maintaining their self-certification under Privacy Shield, we want to assure you that we are fully prepared to facilitate your seamless transition to this new Framework, and we guarantee companies currently participating in BBB EU Privacy Shield will experience uninterrupted continuity of service in their transition to our EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework program. Upholding the highest operational standards for businesses and safeguarding consumer rights has always been our priority.

We also extend a warm welcome to businesses that have temporarily paused their Privacy Shield self-certification, inviting them to join our program once again.”  

Read the European Commission's press release here. Learn more about the BBB National Programs Global Privacy Division here. Schedule a consultation with the Global Privacy Division here.  

To reach our media team, contact us at press@bbbnp.org.