Tech Groups Laud Senate OK of Judicial Redress Act; Amended Bill Back to House for Vote

Technology groups hailed Senate passage of the Judicial Redress Act (HR-1428) Tuesday, saying it's integral to both the newly negotiated EU-U.S. Privacy Shield and the "umbrella agreement," which is a data-exchange pact between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the Atlantic (see 1601270067). The Senate-amended HR-1428, which must now go back to the House for another vote (see 1601280024), would give European citizens legal recourse to challenge and correct data used by some federal agencies (see 1601290021). Computer & Communications Industry Association CEO Ed Black said in a Wednesday statement that unanimous Senate passage sends a "strong message that the U.S. is taking steps to improve privacy protections. Adding these safeguards will help rebuild Europeans’ trust with the U.S. post-Snowden -- and it was the right thing to do.” He was referring to NSA document leaker Edward Snowden. CTA, the Information Technology Industry Council and BSA|The Software Alliance made similar supportive statements. EU officials have said the Judicial Redress Act is an important element in getting the newly updated safe harbor framework approved in Europe (see 1602080008).