EU, US Agree to Protect Shared Data

AMSTERDAM (AP) -- The European Union and United States have signed a deal on protecting personal data shared by law enforcement authorities in the EU and U.S.

Dutch Justice Minister Ard van der Steur says the agreement he signed Thursday along with U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and European Commissioner Vera Jourova "will improve cooperation between U.S. and European law enforcement authorities when combating serious crime and terrorism."

The EU says the so-called Umbrella Agreement will help law enforcement cooperation while also providing safeguards for citizens whose data is used in investigations.

Thursday's deal follows the signing in February by President Obama of a law which gives EU citizens the same rights to redress as U.S. citizens in privacy breach cases.

(KA)