Entertainment Software Association’s Statement on the CLOUD Act’s Inclusion in the Omnibus Spending Bill

Entertainment Software Association’s Statement on the CLOUD Act’s Inclusion in the Omnibus Spending Bill

WASHINGTON — March 22, 2018 — The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which represents the US video game industry, issued the following statement in response to the inclusion of the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act in Congress’s omnibus spending bill.

“ESA welcomes the inclusion of the CLOUD Act in the omnibus funding bill. Video game networks span the globe, and it is vital that our system of privacy laws keep pace with an increasingly interconnected world. When law enforcement authorities from one country seek data stored on servers located in another country, their laws governing access sometimes conflict. By establishing a balanced legal framework for compelling the disclosure of electronic data stored in another country, the CLOUD Act will help prevent the release of private data in situations that might otherwise result in a conflict of legal rights and obligations. ESA thanks congressional leaders for their help bringing this important legislation forward.”

About ESA

ESA offers a wide range of services to interactive entertainment software companies, including conducting business and consumer research; providing legal and policy analysis and advocacy on First Amendment, intellectual property, and technology/e-commerce issues; managing a global content protection program; owning and operating E3; and representing video game industry interests in federal and state government relations. For more information, visit ESA’s website or follow ESA on Twitter @theESA or @ESAGovAffairs.

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