TTIP Negotiators Say EU, US Differ in Structuring Data Flows to Protect Privacy

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, intended to increase trans-Atlantic exports and investments, has made "considerable progress" since EU and U.S. negotiations began in 2013, but challenges remain around data flows and privacy, said a Tuesday joint report from both sides. The report listed several differences, including "how to structure commitments on data flows that will reinforce the essential electronic commerce and digital infrastructure of our economic relationship while respecting legitimate concerns about protecting privacy." The US and EU said "significant work" is needed to resolve the issue. They also said negotiators are discussing possible ways to "reduce unnecessary regulatory differences" in several sectors, including information and communications technology.