Consequences of the Trump administration for data protection and privacy
5.2.2025
Question for written answer E-000540/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew)
Since the inauguration of President Trump, there have been several concerning developments regarding the protection of personal data and privacy in the US, with important implications for data transfers from the EU to the US.
On 27 January 2025, the new administration dismissed all three Democrat members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), a supposedly independent agency within the US executive branch responsible for overseeing US mass surveillance activities[1]. In 2023, the Commission issued an adequacy decision for data transfers from the EU to the US on the basis of the independence and role of PCLOB, under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.
On 3 February 2025, it was reported that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is increasingly gaining access to government databases with sensitive information[2].
- 1.Does the Commission share concerns about the lack of independence of PCLOB, following the direct interference and removal of three members by the Trump administration?
- 2.Will the Commission suspend the EU-US Data Privacy Framework until PCLOB is restored and fully independent? If not, why not?
- 3.Given the aforementioned developments, does the Commission consider that personal data transferred from the EU to the US in the area of law enforcement is adequately protected, including under the EU-US Umbrella Agreement and through cooperation between Europol, Eurojust and US authorities?
Submitted: 5.2.2025