Christopher Kuner to Serve on New EU Data Protection Expert Group

Hunton & Williams has announced that Brussels-based partner Christopher Kuner, head of the firm’s International Privacy Practice, has been appointed to serve on the new Data Protection Expert Group set up by the Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security of the European Commission.

The Group, which comprises five members, including leading lawyers, company representatives and a data protection commissioner, has recently been formed by the Commission to conduct an open reflection on existing European data protection legislation. It is part of the Commission’s effort to review the functioning of the EU legal framework for data protection and to consider whether changes to the framework may be necessary.

The EU Data Protection Directive was adopted in October 1995 in order to remove obstacles to the flow of data, which is essential for the functioning of the Internal Market and, at the same time, to provide protection for the fundamental right of individuals to privacy with regard to personal data.

Challenges to these goals include the development of new information and communication technologies (ICTs), the globalization and ubiquity of personal data, and the required harmonisation and processing of personal data needed to pursue the public security agenda of member states, including access to data by law enforcement agencies.

Commenting on his appointment, Christopher Kuner said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this key Group on the development of data protection across the EU. There are some very significant issues to be addressed on data protection and privacy, including international data flows, and the balance between the requirements of the state to access data and the individuals’ right to privacy. I look forward to working with the Commission on these important issues".