U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology the Rt Hon Chloe Smith MP issued a joint statement yesterday on the announcement that both countries have committed in principle to establish a data bridge.

“Today, President Joseph R. Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that they have committed in principle to establish a data bridge allowing for the free flow of data between organizations in the United Kingdom and participating organizations in the United States.

“This announcement represents the UK’s intent to establish a data bridge for the UK Extension to the U.S.-EU Data Privacy Framework, subject to the UK’s data bridge assessment and further technical work being finalized, and dependent on the U.S. designation of the UK as a qualifying state under Executive Order 14086.

“Today’s announcement also reflects two years of progress and is a key step towards realizing both countries’ mutual ambition to establish a data bridge that would restore a robust and reliable mechanism for U.S.-UK data flows. 

“A U.S.-UK data bridge would uphold the rights of data subjects, facilitate responsible innovation, and provide individuals in both countries greater access to the services that suit them, whilst reducing the burdens on businesses and delivering better outcomes for people.

“We expect that the establishment of the data bridge will also further facilitate transfers to U.S. organizations that rely on other data transfer mechanisms under UK law.

“Reaching this significant milestone builds on the goal set at the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-UK Comprehensive Dialogue on Technology and Data, in January, to finalize a data bridge for U.S.-UK data flows in 2023 and is reflective of the importance of international collaboration to meet the global challenges and opportunities on data.

“We will continue working together to facilitate trusted cross-border data flows, including on multilateral initiatives, such as the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum, and through international fora, such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).”