August

Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) are fast becoming the preferred method for intra-group worldwide transfers, due to their flexibility and the endorsement they have received from EU bodies and data regulators. Organised by DataGuidance in association with TRUSTe, the BCR Webinar 2013 explored the developing landscape of BCRs with leading experts in the field. DataGuidance compiled the top 5 tips for any company considering BCRs.

"If you use or collect personal data, you should be aware of three points - the new EU law is coming, it will affect your business and it could well involve significant costs. At present, UK data protection obligations are primarily governed by the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), which implements an EU Directive. The European Commission's proposals for reform are the subject of fierce debate and may still change. However, if they come into force as they stand, the implications are likely to include: Even more problems with consent, Significantly more red tape, New requirements for portability and deletion of data, Data processors will have to comply, and, Significantly higher fines. The proposal needs to be approved by both the European Parliament and EU Member States. It had been hoped that agreement could be reached by June of this year, but that now seems unlikely. However, there will be pressure to adopt the proposal by 2014, when the European Parliament and the European Commission are due for re-appointment. Make sure that budgets and planned financial forecasts for 2014-2016 include provision for compliance with the new law (including the appointment of ""data protection officers""). "

"The New York Times reports on the proposal to tax data collection with the goal of promoting sound practices for gathering and protecting information. French auditor Nicolas Colin, introduced the idea based on European countries' frustrations with their inability to collect tax revenue from Internet companies generating significant income each year, especially as budget deficits loom. ""Every government needs revenues,"" Colin said, adding the individual taxpayer and small companies carry the burden if large corporations do not. Google and Facebook know that John Doe ""likes"" wine, is shopping for a Volkswagen and often e-mails Jane Doe. The new idea would require the companies to pay for gathering that information. While business plans built on mining consumers' personal information from the Internet are proliferating, so are concerns about the use of the data. Colin's tax plan would reward companies for providing their customers with useful information, while penalizing those that did not do so. Although the government commissioned the report, it is not an official policy document, and the finance ministry has yet to take a position on the idea. "