Australia: Signed CLOUD Act Agreement between USA and Australia

On 15 December 2021, the United States and Australia entered an agreement regarding the facilitation of data transfers between the countries for the prosecution of crimes. This Agreement was justified by the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act which was adopted by U.S. Congress in 2018. The Agreement aims to facilitate the flow of electronic data between the countries to prevent, investigate and prosecute serious crimes such as terrorism and child sexual abuse. Furthermore, the Agreement will also enable official authorities to request data from communications service providers in both countries more easily. The Agreement will now be put before both Parliament and Congress in either country.