U.S. and U.K. Sign Agreement on Data Sharing in Context of Serious Crime [1]
On October 3, the United States and the United Kingdom signed an "Agreement on Access to Electronic Data for the Purpose of Countering Serious Crime [3]." Based on the "Clarifying Lawful 4 Overseas Use of Data Act [4]," or the “CLOUD Act,” the Agreement permits law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and U.K. to require disclosure of electronic data in the context of serious crime. “Serious crime” includes an array of matters, such as terrorism and cybercrime. The Act requires the law enforcement agencies to acquire authorization before making demands concerning relevant data. According to a press release [5] from the Department of Justice, current arrangements for legal assistance in this context can take up to two years, so it is hoped that the Act’s new arrangements will “enhance the ability of the United States and the United Kingdom to fight serious crime” because it is a more efficient framework.