Personal data transfers from the EU to the UK after 31 December 2020
The Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached between the European Union (the “EU”) and the United Kingdom (the “UK”) in December 2020 (the “TCA”) provides for a transitional period of four months, beginning on the date of entry into force of the Agreement (which can be extended by two additional months, unless one of the parties objects). During this transitional period, transmissions of personal data from the EU to the UK will not be considered as transfers to a third country. Therefore, EU controllers are not required to take any further action before transferring personal data to the UK.
The transitional period may be terminated prematurely if the European Commission adopts an adequacy decision (ensuring an adequate level of protection of personal data) in respect of the UK.
If the European Commission fails to grant an adequacy decision, even after the transitional period has expired, it will be necessary for personal data controllers to take other measures to secure personal data, e.g. by using standard contractual clauses. We will be regularly monitoring the situation and will keep you posted about any news and developments relating to this topic through social media platforms.
