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 EU, 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:
The Safe Harbor arrangement requires companies to provide a dispute resolution option to consumers whose personal data they collect. The BBB is the best-known consumer dispute resolution system in North America. We created the EU Safe Harbor Privacy Dispute Resolution program to help companies meet EU data directive standards and continue to conduct business in Europe.
Participation is as simple as "1,2,3".
- Click here to review a copy of the "Safe Harbor" DR Program Contract, Rules and Fees.
- Print out a two copies of the contract and attachments, and complete the requested information..
- Return both copies of the complete contract, together with a check payable to "Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc." for the appropriate annual participation fee, to BBBOnLine at the following address:
- EU SAFE HARBOR PROGRAM
- ATTN: Steve Salter
- Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
- 4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 800
- Arlington, VA 22203
For additional information, or to obtain answers to questions, contact Steve Salter, Vice President, BBBOnLine, at 703-247-9370.
NOTE: Click here for a listing of BBBOnLine U.S./E.U. Safe Harbor Dispute Resolution participants.
|
