New EU regimes are under consideration, but currently
uncertainty reigns.
Nobody is more aware of our shrinking world than technology
executives. They are also in a good position to see that
contradictory requirements in the areas of data protection and
privacy have created a confusing patchwork that, at times, runs
counter to a global marketplace that places a premium on close
collaboration and the smooth transfer of digital information.
Most companies are extremely diligent about complying with their
cybersecurity legal obligations, but wildly inconsistent laws make
it difficult. Some of the inconsistencies can be traced to deep
historical and cultural differences between the United States and
Europe. In comparison to the EU, the United States has
traditionally offered a far more open framework when dealing with
information. In litigation, U.S. laws have typically been more
about sharing — even erring on the side of being overly
inclusive.
