There are calls from all sides upon the American authorities to comply fully with the provisions of the transatlantic data protection mechanism, the Privacy Shield.
On Monday 20 August, it was the turn of 12 American and international organisations representing the technological industry to start to lose patience.
In a letter signed by The Software Alliance and the American Chamber of Commerce, amongst others, the organisations call upon the American Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, to present a qualified candidate as soon as possible to take the post of under-Secretary for economic growth, energy and the environment.
Beyond the importance of this position to the American economy, it is particularly vital for the proper functioning of the Privacy Shield, as its holder would act as permanent ombudsman in charge of managing the complaints of Europeans whose data are processed by American companies.
“While the duties of the Ombudsman are currently being carried out, having a senior political appointee in the role is important”, the letter reads.
At the end of July, the Commission got tough: it gave the US authorities until October to take the necessary measures (see EUROPE 12074). At the European Parliament, members are calling for the mechanism to be suspended if the US is not in full compliance by 1 September (see EUROPE 12056). (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)