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Privacy before Profit: European Court of Justice Rules “Safe Harbor” is invalid

Web Foundation · October 6, 2015

In a landmark ruling, the European Court of Justice has today declared that the long-standing ‘safe harbour’ pact covering EU-US data transfers is invalid. Here is our statement, which is approved for use by media:

Renata Avila, global campaign manager at the World Wide Web Foundation said:

“Today’s Judgment puts people’s fundamental right to privacy before profit. Without effective safeguards for privacy, the Web as we know it could wither and die. Following today’s ruling, new safeguards must now urgently be put in place that protect the Web as it should be, a secure and private space where people can start businesses, research confidential topics or just chat with friends without the fear of being subjected to unwarranted government snooping. We hope that this EU ruling will also inspire countries around the world to review their data protection and exchange policies, and enhance the protection of their citizens.

“The manner of the victory also speaks to the power of the Internet to level the playing field. That Max Schrems, a 28 year old law student, could successfully challenge a long-standing international agreement underlines why we must preserve the Web as a space for debate, dissent and progress.”

ENDS

Interview requests and queries can be sent to press@webfoundation.org

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  1. David

    October 6, 2015

    Awesome!!! Thanks for the victory and effort now to hope this kind of victory is just the beginning.

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    1. Emma-Jane Dempsey

      October 6, 2015

      We have to lobby and campaign like crazy in Ireland. Sadly because of our governments tax relationship with multinationals there is a strong possibility they will not want to rock the boat with any one of them. The state is overly dependent on multi nationals who are only here because of the 12.5% tax rate, meaning they are not loyal to Ireland at all. Our very corrupt little government will have to be shown the way.

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      1. Raj Sharma

        October 6, 2015

        Congrats to EU for protecting the Privacy of its citizens. Sadly, here in India, the surveillance in on full mode, as the government signed RAMPART-A with United States. Long way for whole world to unite and stand up like the way EU citizens did.

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        1. Sebastian

          October 6, 2015

          Thanks Max Schrems.Danke Max Schrems.

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