March

The business case for understanding Chinese privacy law is clear. With China's growing economic power and large consumer base, any international company seeking to profit from consumers in the region should expend resources on understanding how best to succeed in the Chinese market. This means that privacy officers must pay close attention to how privacy law is developing in China, both to keep up with current developments and to stay ahead of the curve by proactively implementing strategic policies.
 
This three-part series will provide a basic privacy practitioner's guide to privacy law in China. The last post summarized the basic status of privacy laws and regulations in China. This next post will delve into the cultural and historical factors that influence the development and application of Chinese privacy law. The next post in this series will provide practical privacy considerations, based on these cultural factors, that should be studied by any company trying to do business in China.

The European Commission reached an agreement with the European Parliament and the Council, following final negotiations between the three institutions (so-called 'trilogue' meetings).
 
More than 90% of Europeans say they want the same data protection rights across the EU - and regardless of where their data is processed: this will soon be a reality.
 
The Reform package will put an end to the patchwork of data protection rules that currently exists in the EU.
 
Andrus Ansip, Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, said: "Today's agreement is a major step towards a Digital Single Market. It will remove barriers and unlock opportunities.”

On January 7, 2016, the European Data Protection Supervisor (the EDPS) published his Priorities for 2016.
 
The EDPS Priorities consists of a cover note listing the strategic priorities of the EDPS in 2016 and a color-coded table listing the European Commission's proposals that require the EDPS' attention, per level of priority.
 
In line with the EDPS Strategy 2015-2019 unveiled in March 2015, the EDPS will set his focus on the following areas of strategic importance: Complete the Data Protection Framework, Ensure Adequate Protection of Personal Data in International Data Transfers, and Protect EU Borders and Enhance Security, and Initiatives Related to the European Commission's Work Programme for 2016