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Free flow of non-personal data
A clear, comprehensive and predictable framework will contribute to a more competitive and integrated EU market for data storage and data processing services. The framework proposes:
The principle of free flow of non-personal data across borders: Member States can no longer oblige organisations to locate the storage or processing of data within their borders. Restrictions will only be justified for reasons of public security. Member States will have to notify the Commission of new or existing data localisation requirements. The free flow of non-personal data will make it easier and cheaper for businesses to operate across borders without having to duplicate IT systems or to save the same data in different places.
The principle of data availability for regulatory control: Competent authorities will be able to exercise their rights of access to data wherever it is stored or processed in the EU. The free flow of non-personal data will not affect the obligations for businesses and other organisations to provide certain data for regulatory control purposes.
The development of EU codes of conduct to remove obstacles to switching between service providers of cloud storage and to porting data back to users' own IT systems.
Benefits for businesses and people
The new rules will increase legal certainty and trust for businesses and organisations. They will also clear the way for a truly EU single market in data storage and processing, leading to a competitive, safe and reliable European cloud sector and to lower prices for users of data storage and processing services. As the aim of the new rules is to increase trust, companies are expected to use more cloud services and to feel re-assured when entering new markets. They will also be able to move their in-house IT-resources to the most cost-effective locations. Ultimately, this means an estimated additional growth of EU GDP by €8 billion per year.
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