Freezing The Cloud: Microsoft Takes A Hardline On Data Privacy In The EU

The European Union's (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets out requirements for transferring personal data outside the European Economic Area. These requirements not only restrict the use and transfer of personal data, but also ensure that personal data is adequately protected with enforceable rights and effective judicial remedies. In 2020, the EU invalidated the EU-US Privacy Shield, a framework that many US companies relied on when transferring data. However, large tech companies, including Microsoft, have ensured compliance with the GDPR's transfer requirements through the use of standard contractual clauses (SCCs). These SCCs are "pre-approved" by the European Commission to ensure that adequate protections and safeguards are in place for data transfers.