The joint data protection agreement spearheaded by the U.S. and the European Union also known as the Umbrella Agreement is finally moving forward. Both American and European officials have now signed off on the agreement. The new legislation includes a number of provisions to safeguard personal data. It also includes limitations on data use when transferred between government agencies; data may only be used for preventing, investigating, detecting or prosecuting criminal offenses The new agreement isnt perfect, but beefed-up extradition agreements and better data protection should help keep out the worst of any mal-weather.”]