approved transfer mechanisms
Definition
Approved transfer mechanisms are the legally accepted methods businesses must use when sending personal data from one country to another, particularly from places with strict privacy laws like the European Union to countries with different standards. Governments create these specific pathways to make sure that when your customer's personal information crosses a border, it still receives the same level of protection it had in its home country.
Example
If your small business is based in the US and you collect data from European customers, you might use a Standard Contractual Clause, which is one of these approved mechanisms, to legally justify storing that European customer data on your American servers.
Watch Out
If you transfer personal data across international borders without using one of these approved methods, you can face massive fines and be forced to stop processing that data entirely.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.