Peter Guffin Selected as Arbitrator for EU – U.S. Data Privacy Framework

The U.S. Department of Commerce and the European Commission have selected Pierce Atwood attorney Peter J. Guffin to serve as an arbitrator for the EU – U.S. Data Privacy Framework.  Those selected to serve as arbitrators are among the leading privacy law scholars and practitioners in the U.S. and Europe.

The EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework was developed to facilitate transatlantic commerce by providing U.S. organizations with a reliable mechanism to receive personal data transfers from the EU. Once an organization chooses to participate in DPF program, their compliance and self-certification is mandatory, and that commitment is enforceable under U.S. law.

When privacy disputes occur between EU citizens and participating U.S. organizations, arbitrators are responsible for resolving those disagreements. By resolving disputes over personal data, arbitrators play an important role in shaping and enforcing international privacy law and cross-border data transfer mechanisms.

Peter Guffin is co-chair of Pierce Atwood’s Privacy & Data Security practice, where he assists clients in identifying, evaluating, and managing risks associated with privacy and cybersecurity issues.  He regularly advises clients on U.S. privacy, information security, and data breach notification laws. 

Peter is well-versed on EU data protection law and data transfer issues, and has assisted clients in complying with the General Data Protection Regulation, including conducting data protection impact assessments, and he has provided advice on establishing and implementing global information privacy programs.  In addition, he guides clients on risks and potential liabilities associated with inadequate privacy and data security practices in corporate transactions.

Peter also is an adjunct professor at the University of Maine School of Law, where he teaches courses in information privacy and cybersecurity. In recognition of Peter’s service, commitment, and leadership to the advancement of responsible information management practices in business and government, he has been named a Distinguished Fellow of the Ponemon Institute.