Microsoft ‘Between a Rock and an Even Harder Place’

DataGuidance

In discussing the ruling that Microsoft has to disclose customer information and records to US law enforcement stored in Ireland, Aaron Simpson and Wim Nauwelaerts believe the ruling will create legal difficulties for multinational companies, especially Internet service providers like Microsoft. Recognizing that cross-border eDiscovery rules have created conflicts of law for American companies operating in Europe in the past, Simpson and Nauwelaerts said, “US law enforcement access to personal data is on the front burner in the EU, especially in light of the Snowden revelations, and it puts Internet service providers between a rock and an even harder place.” Simpson’s practice focuses on complex privacy and cybersecurity matters. Nauwelaerts focuses on European data protection matters, with a particular emphasis on privacy issues in life sciences and new media.