Collins commends U.S., UK data-sharing agreement under CLOUD Act

U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), ranking member of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, applauded the first formal law enforcement data-sharing agreement signed by the White House under the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act, which became law in 2018.

“This CLOUD Act agreement between the United States and United Kingdom is an important step forward in helping law enforcement better combat crime and terrorism,” Rep. Collins said on Oct. 3. “I am confident, as more countries update their legal processes, more governments will seek CLOUD agreements like the one signed today.”

Bilateral agreements made under the CLOUD Act permit the U.S. and its foreign partners to better investigate crime when digital evidence is stored in foreign countries, according to a summary of the law provided by Rep. Collins’ office.

Specifically, the CLOUD Act allows a foreign government that has a data-sharing agreement with the U.S. to contact American companies directly to compel production of personal data without notifying an individual, according to the summary.

Such agreements apply to a broad class of investigations, including terrorism, child exploitation and transnational organized crime.

Under the announced agreement, the United States will have the same authority to compel production from UK companies. Australia currently is seeking such an agreement with the U.S. under the CLOUD Act.

“When we introduced the CLOUD Act in 2018, we sought to protect Americans’ privacy while ensuring law enforcement has the tools to keep us safe,” said Rep. Collins. “I am proud the CLOUD Act strikes that balance.”