EU launches controversial internet privacy deal with US

The European Union on Tuesday launched a controversial deal with the United States aimed at curbing government spying on the personal internet data of European citizens.

EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova and US Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker presented the final version of the deal, which replaces one struck down last October by the EU’s top court.

The court struck down the deal based on an Austrian activist’s case against Facebook in Ireland, and its judgment cited US snooping practices exposed by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.

“The EU-US Privacy Shield is a robust new system to protect the personal data of Europeans and ensure legal certainty for businesses,” Jourova said.