A criticism of the “Safe Harbor” and the alternative data transfer methods

Abstract

The transfer of personal data is a necessary and integral part of transatlantic trade relations between the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA) since the increase of large (big) data flow from the EU to the USA. This especially applies to social networks, as well as to providers and users of online services, including cloud computing services and online shops. The Safe Harbor annulmentand and the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) create an opportunity to review the privacy protection within the EU and the US. The present article provides an overview of the legal and uncomfortable situation for businesses and data processors, and examines whether the alternative solutions may offer an escape from the current situation.