European Union: Adopted EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement including data protection regulation

On 30 June 2022, the European Union (EU) and New Zealand concluded the negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement, including data protection regulations. The Agreement aims to facilitate digital trade between the parties. In particular, the Agreement states that the parties can adopt and maintain the data protection regulations considered appropriate by the jurisdiction, including applying privacy requirements for the cross-border transfer of personal data. Furthermore, the parties would be required to make available information on the protection of personal data and privacy that it grants to the users in the digital economy and specify how users can exercise their rights and pursue remedies for data breaches. Finally, the Agreement states that the parties should issue guidelines for the private sector regarding their data protection and privacy obligations. The European Commission will submit a proposal to the Council to allow the Commission to sign the Agreement on behalf of the EU and a proposal for its adoption.