The European Union should not undercut its initiatives to ignite startup-fueled post-COVID-19 economic growth with costly and ineffective data localisation measures. When Commissioner Breton argues that “European data should be stored and processed in Europe”, this could pose significant damage to startup ecosystems and undermine much of the positive impact of recent free flow of …
Data Policy
July 29, 2020
Transatlantic Data Flows: So what are the options for startups?
Following the European Court of Justice’s landmark ruling on Privacy Shield, startup communities must strike one important mechanism off the list of avenues for transatlantic data transfers. It begs the question: why does this matter and what other mechanisms do startups have at their disposal? Data adequacy is granted by the European Commission if another …
Data Policy Press Release
February 19, 2020
Allied For Startups welcomes the debate on the new Digital Strategy from the European Commission
[Brussels, 19 February 2020] Allied for Startups welcomes that the European Commission is starting the debate on a comprehensive approach to digital policy with the release of a European digital strategy, a European strategy on data and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Whitepaper. Digital Strategy “After the Digital Single Market Strategy, the Digital Strategy provides …
Data
September 29, 2018
Why Data Protection & Data Localisation Don’t Mix Well
Data localisation measures run contrary to best practises in lawmaking. Besides increasing cost and decreasing choice for users, they are bad news for startups globally. Contrary to their intent, such measures make data protection harder. Data protection is in startups’ DNA. While some applications are indispensable for users, deletion is only a click away if …
Data
March 20, 2018
Free Flow of Data: A ‘ferrari for startups?’
If a startup was a car, what would it be? In light of the fragmentation in the digital economy, the racetrack it is on would be curvy and steep one. Yet, if the regulation for free flow of non-personal data passes, Rapporteur Corazza Bildt thinks startups could get a ferrari. 🏎 What’s this about? Currently, …
Data
December 13, 2016
The Case for Free Flow of Data
Think global – that’s what startups do from day one. To do so, they require a healthy mix of access to finance, talent, market, education, culture and startup-friendly regulations, which constitute a ecosystem. A borderless internet is one core component of this environment – and that requires free flow of data. We’ve been here before. …
Data
September 19, 2016
Global Data Flows in Trade
Why cross-border data flows should be included in trade agreements currently under negotiation.
Data Open Letter
May 11, 2016
Open letter to Co-legislators on the General Data Protection Regulation
With the trilogue negotiations of the GDPR coming to a crucial phase we are writing you on behalf of tech startups to make our voice heard in favour a data protection framework that helps building trust…
Data
May 11, 2016
The post-2018 data protection landscape for startups in the EU
Will GDPR ease the life of startups or imply stricter rules?
Data
May 11, 2016
The post-2018 data protection landscape II
In this second part we will look at some more aspects of the GDPR and formulate ways for the startup community to stay inventive in the EU.