BBB National Programs’ Statement on Executive Order to Implement the European Union-U.S. Data Privacy Framework

McLean, VA – October 07, 2022 – Dona Fraser, BBB National Programs’ Senior Vice President, Privacy Initiatives, issued the following statement today on the Biden Administration’s Executive Order to implement U.S. commitments under the European Union-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (EU-US DPF):

“At BBB National Programs, we commend the White House, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and their counterparts in the European Commission for lifting the cloud of uncertainty that has been hanging over Privacy Shield for more than two years. As the longest-running Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM) provider, the first recognized under Privacy Shield, trusted for more than 20 years by businesses of all sizes, we view this formal commitment to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework as a huge milestone for the seven trillion-dollar transatlantic economy.

For the more than 5,000 Privacy Shield businesses that recognize the value of accountability and rely on the Privacy Shield Framework for the transfer of personal data from the EU to the U.S., the specifics outlined in this Executive Order do present questions.

We want those businesses to know that BBB National Programs and our Global Privacy Division continue to operate BBB EU Privacy Shield, our first-class IRM that assists our participating businesses in meeting their obligations while continuing to provide independent and free redress for EU data subjects with privacy complaints.

We are also ready to ensure that businesses that have opted to remain self-certified to Privacy Shield – demonstrating their dedication to compliance, business continuity, and consumer recourse – will experience a smooth transition to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework Principles. In addition, we welcome those businesses who have chosen to pause their Privacy Shield self-certification back into our program.

Read the White House Executive Order and fact sheet. Learn more about the BBB National Programs Global Privacy Division here.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs. BBB National Programs oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs, and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, privacy, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About BBB National Programs Global Privacy Division: BBB National Programs Global Privacy Division helps businesses show their partners and customers that they put privacy first, no matter where they operate. Our programs serve as key elements of the Cross-Border Privacy Rules and Privacy Shield frameworks, bridging gaps between divergent privacy and data protection regimes. By embracing our independent accountability mechanisms, participating businesses strengthen standards for data privacy and enhance consumer trust in the digital marketplace.