On January 15, 2024, the European Commission reaffirmed that Israel continues to provide an adequate level of protection for personal data transferred from the European Union (EU). This decision follows an extensive review process that began after the enactment of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018.
Israel was first granted “Adequacy Status” by the European Commission in 2011, recognizing that its data protection laws met EU standards. This status allows for the unrestricted transfer of personal data between the EU and Israel, as it ensures that personal data is treated with the same level of protection as it would be within the EU. The EU grants Adequacy Status only after a thorough assessment of a country’s data protection regime.
Following the introduction of the GDPR, the European Commission reassessed Israel, along with other countries and territories that had previously been granted Adequacy Status. The review was conducted in collaboration with Israel’s Privacy Protection Authority and the Office of Legal Counsel and Legislative Affairs at the Ministry of Justice. It included an evaluation of Israel’s privacy regulations and the measures in place to protect individuals’ data.
As part of the assessment process, Israel adopted several key measures, including Government Resolution No. 1890, which reinforced the independence of the Privacy Protection Authority. The Knesset’s Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee also approved specific regulations in 2023, while the Privacy Protection Authority published additional guidelines.
The recognition of Israel’s Adequacy Status is seen as significant for the Israeli economy, enhancing trade relations, research collaborations, and other economic ties with the EU. It simplifies the legal process for transferring personal data between the EU and Israel, as it removes the need for additional legal or regulatory steps that would typically be required for cross-border data transfers. This recognition also eliminates the need for specific legal mechanisms, such as detailed contractual clauses, for businesses in Israel receiving personal data from EU entities.
The European Commission’s decision is expected to be discussed further within the EU Parliament and other relevant EU institutions. The ongoing recognition of Israel’s data protection laws ensures continued smooth data flows between Israel and the EU, benefiting Israeli companies, hospitals, research institutions, and public authorities.
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