The Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act, enacted in 2018, updates the legal framework for federal law enforcement to access electronic data held by U.S. service providers, even when the data is stored outside the United States. The act resolves jurisdictional issues that arise in cross-border data requests and facilitates international cooperation for law enforcement purposes.
Key Provisions of the CLOUD Act:
Data Access for Law Enforcement:
The CLOUD Act allows U.S. federal law enforcement to compel U.S.-based service providers (e.g., Microsoft, Google) to provide access to data stored abroad using a valid warrant or subpoena, provided the request complies with applicable laws.
International Data Sharing Agreements:
The CLOUD Act enables the U.S. to establish bilateral agreements with other countries to streamline access to data for law enforcement purposes. These agreements ensure that U.S. and foreign law enforcement can access data without violating each other's sovereignty or privacy laws.
Conflict with Foreign Laws:
The act includes mechanisms for providers to challenge data requests that conflict with the laws of the country where the data is stored, providing safeguards for compliance with foreign privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Explanation of Options:
A. Codify a treaty with the EU that permits the cross-border transfer of personal information from the EU to the United States in compliance with the GDPR:This is incorrect. The CLOUD Act is not specific to the EU or GDPR compliance. Instead, it focuses on law enforcement access to data stored abroad.
B. Update the legal mechanisms through which federal law enforcement may obtain data that service providers maintain in a foreign country:This is correct. The CLOUD Act directly addresses law enforcement's ability to compel data access from U.S. providers, regardless of the data's physical location.
C. Establish baseline privacy obligations that U.S. companies must comply with for personal information, even if stored in a foreign country:This is incorrect. The CLOUD Act is focused on law enforcement access to data, not privacy obligations for companies.
D. Prohibit foreign companies from using the personal information of U.S. citizens without their consent:This is incorrect. The CLOUD Act does not regulate foreign companies or impose consent requirements for using personal information.
References from CIPP/US Materials:
CLOUD Act (18 U.S.C. § 2713): Establishes legal mechanisms for cross-border data access and international agreements.
IAPP CIPP/US Certification Textbook: Discusses the CLOUD Act's impact on cross-border data requests and its interaction with global privacy laws.
