The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last week announced it had settled with 12 U.S. companies over charges the companies allowed their Safe Harbour certifications to lapse but still indicated their certifications were valid. Was the move a response to recent criticism from the EU? The FTC said it was business as usual. But does it at least indicate more enforcement to follow? FTC Commissioner Julie Brill said she does not “believe these settlements were reached because of pressure from the European Commission or anyone else.” But some say the settlements were expected and the “ball was in the FTC's court after the developments in Europe.” The researcher who filed the complaints said he supports all but one of the settlements. This exclusive for The Privacy Advisor zooms in. Meanwhile, EurActiv reports on Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding's concerns about Safe Harbour.
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