Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, PRIVACY NEWS: FTC signs memorandum of understanding with Dutch Data Protection Authority, (Mar 9, 2015)

By Linda O’Brien, J.D., LL.M.

The FTC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Dutch Data Protection Authority to enhance information sharing and enforcement cooperation on privacy-related matters, the Commission announced today.

In the Netherlands, the Dutch Data Protection Authority enforces the Dutch Data Protection Act, which implements the European Union’s 1995 Data Protection Directive.

FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez and Dutch Data Protection Authority Chairman Jacob Kohnstamm signed the MOU, which is similar to agreements the FTC has with data protection authorities in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The two agencies already cooperate in connection with several privacy-related initiatives.

The FTC increasingly seeks to secure the assistance of international privacy and data protection authorities in its efforts to protect consumer privacy. The MOU recognizes the need for increased cross-border enforcement cooperation and sets out the two agencies’ intent regarding mutual assistance and the exchange of information for investigating and enforcing against privacy violations.

Under the MOU, the agencies acknowledged their mutual interest in (1) cooperating in the enforcement of privacy laws; (2) facilitating research and education relating to the protection of personal information; (3) facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise through training programs and staff exchanges; and (4) promoting a better understanding of the economic and legal conditions relevant to the enforcement of privacy laws.

“In our interconnected world, cross-border cooperation is increasingly important,” Chairwoman Ramirez said. “This arrangement with our Dutch counterpart will strengthen FTC efforts to protect the privacy of consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Chairman Kohnstamm said, “In this day and age of increasing cross-border data flows, it is important that the data protection and privacy authorities across the globe increase their cooperation as well. The signing of this MOU between the Dutch DPA and the FTC is a great step in this and marks the good relationship between our offices.”

News: Privacy ConsumerProtection FederalTradeCommissionNews