Leading German business associations warn of the consequences of unpredictable US policy on transatlantic data transfers. A failure of the EU-US Data Privacy Framework would plunge companies into chaos and legal uncertainty. Holger Lösch from the BDI stressed the essential need for reliable data traffic.
In Berlin, leading German business associations including the Federation of German Industries (BDI) have warned of the risks posed by unpredictable US policy. US threats against NATO highlight Germany's dependence on transatlantic data traffic, which is essential for industry.
Holger Lösch, deputy managing director of the BDI, told Handelsblatt: "A reliable and legally secure transatlantic data traffic is essential for German industry." A sudden end to the current EU-US Data Privacy Framework would have devastating consequences for companies and authorities.
According to Lösch, this would lead to significant extra effort and legal uncertainty. Firms would no longer be able to clearly assess whether their data transfers are permissible, exposing them to risks of lawsuits or fines. The warning comes amid geopolitical tensions.