'Global Privacy Enforcement Network' Launched

by Glen Shapiro, LawAndTax-News.com, New York

24 September 2010

Thirteen privacy enforcement agencies around the world have joined forces to launch the ‘Global Privacy Enforcement Network’ (GPEN), a network designed to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the enforcement of privacy laws.

In addition to the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the United Kingdom Information Commissioner’s Office, GPEN participants currently include privacy enforcement authorities from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain.

In developing this network, the participating agencies recognized the need for greater international cooperation in promoting information sharing and international assistance in the enforcement of privacy laws. In the action plan launching the network, the founding agencies stressed that “it is important that government authorities charged with enforcing domestic privacy laws strengthen their understanding of different privacy enforcement regimes as well as their capacities for cross-border cooperation.”

GPEN’s mission statement covers “sharing information about privacy enforcement issues, trends and experiences; participating in relevant training; cooperating on outreach activities; engaging in dialogue with relevant private sector organizations on privacy enforcement and outreach issues; and facilitating effective cross-border privacy enforcement in specific matters by creating a contact list of privacy enforcement authorities interested in bilateral cooperation in cross-border investigations and enforcement matters.”

The need for greater cooperation in the enforcement of privacy laws has been recognized not only by privacy regulators, but also by multilateral organizations, including the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The OECD is providing website support to GPEN.

“Cooperation is critical in the enforcement of privacy laws. GPEN will provide us with the necessary tools to facilitate cooperation with our international counterparts,” said Jon Leibowitz, the FTC’s Chairman.

“We live in a globalized world with new technologies providing infinite possibilities for sharing and re-using information globally. Privacy has thereby also become a global issue. If we want to continue to protect the privacy rights of our national citizens, it is essential that we work together internationally,” added Jacob Kohnstamm, Chair of the Dutch Data Protection Authority, another founding GPEN member.

“The challenges in obtaining redress for consumers whose privacy has been compromised in today’s digital environment can be daunting. GPEN is part of a collective effort to provide more effective cross-border enforcement and complaints resolution. This is as relevant for a small economy in the South Pacific as it is for Europe and North America and New Zealand is pleased to play its part,” said New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff.

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