CLOUD Act
US Legislation - Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act
The Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act or CLOUD Act is a United States federal law enacted in 2018 by the passing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, PL 115-141, Division V. The CLOUD
US CLOUD Act
In March 2018, the US Congress passed the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act, or “CLOUD Act” to improve procedures for both foreign and US investigators to obtain access to vital electronic information held by service providers. The CLOUD Act permits the US to enter into agreements with foreign partners that allow their authorities to obtain critical electronic data from communications providers in the other country. More information about the US CLOUD Act is in this White Paper prepared by the US Department of Justice.
On 15 December 2021, the Australian Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, and the US Attorney General, Merrick Garland, signed the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America on Access to Electronic Data for the Purpose of Countering Serious Crime (commonly referred to as the Australia-US CLOUD Act Agreement).
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring our law enforcement and national security agencies have appropriate tools to keep pace with modern technology as it evolves.
Further reading: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/national-security/lawful-access-telecommunications/australia-united-states-cloud-act-agreement