Snowden case shows U.S. needs to deliver on trustworthy data protection rules: MEP

Trust in the United States took a hit following the revelation of mass surveillance by Edward Snowden, but an agreement on data protection adopted by MEPs (members of the European Parlimanet) Thursday will help restore it, said German MEP Jan Albrecht on Thursday.

"The Snowden case was very important as it showed that the United States needs to deliver on trustworthy data protection rules when it comes to security. We pushed for the umbrella agreement to be adopted in order to restore trust," Albrecht said in a parliament interview.

Earlier Thursday, the European Parliament gave the green light in a vote to the European Union-U.S. data protection agreement, also known as the umbrella agreement, which covers the transfer of all personal data exchanged across the Atlantic when dealing with criminal offences, including terrorism.

"The umbrella agreement on data protection is about high standards and high protection for personal data when it is transferred between police authorities in Europe and in the United States," Albrecht noted.

He also pointed out that more work should be done to improve intelligence services which are not covered by this agreement concerning police matters.

Speaking of the impact on Europe, the Green German MEP held the view that the umbrella agreement also improved the situation within Europe.

"Because we also need to further improve data protection standards in our member states and at the EU level when it comes to police and judicial work, as a precondition for better cooperation against crime and terrorism," he said. Endit