Rina Steenkamp - Privacy and technology

My annotated General Data Protection Regulation

Chapter V Transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations

Article 40 General principle for transfers

October 2013

Article 40

Any transfer of personal data which are undergoing processing or are intended for processing after transfer to a third country or to an international organisation may only take place if, subject to the other provisions of this Regulation, the conditions laid down in this Chapter are complied with by the controller and processor, including for onward transfers of personal data from the third country or an international organisation to another third country or to another international organisation.

[Source: October 2013]

Recital 78

(78) Cross-border flows of personal data are necessary for the expansion of international trade and international co-operation. The increase in these flows has raised new challenges and concerns with respect to the protection of personal data. However, when personal data are transferred from the Union to third countries or to international organisations, the level of protection of individuals guaranteed in the Union by this Regulation should not be undermined. In any event, transfers to third countries may only be carried out in full compliance with this Regulation.

Recital 79

(79) This Regulation is without prejudice to international agreements concluded between the Union and third countries regulating the transfer of personal data including appropriate safeguards for the data subjects ensuring an adequate level of protection for the fundamental rights of citizens.

[Source: October 2013 | Notes: Recitals | Context: Recitals]

January 2012

Explanatory memorandum

3.4. Detailed explanation of the proposal

Article 40 spells out, as a general principle, that the compliance with the obligations in that chapter are mandatory for any transfers of personal data to third countries or international organisations, including onward transfers.

[Source: January 2012 | Context: Proposal from the European Commission]

Article 40

Any transfer of personal data which are undergoing processing or are intended for processing after transfer to a third country or to an international organisation may only take place if, subject to the other provisions of this Regulation, the conditions laid down in this Chapter are complied with by the controller and processor, including for onward transfers of personal data from the third country or an international organisation to another third country or to another international organisation.

[Source: January 2012 | Context: Proposal from the European Commission]

Recital 78 [Amended: October 2013]

(78) Cross-border flows of personal data are necessary for the expansion of international trade and international co-operation. The increase in these flows has raised new challenges and concerns with respect to the protection of personal data. However, when personal data are transferred from the Union to third countries or to international organisations, the level of protection of individuals guaranteed in the Union by this Regulation should not be undermined. In any event, transfers to third countries may only be carried out in full compliance with this Regulation.

Recital 79 [Amended: October 2013]

(79) This Regulation is without prejudice to international agreements concluded between the Union and third countries regulating the transfer of personal data including appropriate safeguards for the data subjects.

[Source: January 2012 | Notes: Recitals | Context: Proposal from the European Commission, Recitals]