Brazil and the European Union announce reciprocal adequacy in data protection

Brazil and the European Union have taken a landmark step in the global data protection landscape: Both jurisdictions announced they recognize each other’s data protection systems as equivalent (reciprocal adequacy).

This measure will enable a direct, secure, and streamlined flow of personal data between Brazil and the European Union, without the need for additional international transfer mechanisms.

Immediate impacts

For companies:

• significant reduction in compliance burdens and costs.
• simplification of digital transactions and cross-border systems integration.
• improved competitiveness and expanded access to the EU market.
• greater legal certainty for multinational groups operating or planning to operate in Brazil and the EU.

For data subjects:

• assurance that data sent to the EU will receive EU‑equivalent protection, with effective oversight and redress mechanisms.

Strategic relevance for Brazil

This decision consolidates Brazil’s position as an international benchmark in data protection, strengthening:

• the institutional maturity of the ANPD and the Brazilian General Data protection Law (“LGPD” – Portuguese acronym).
• international trust in Brazil’s regulatory environment.
• inbound investments and the expansion of the digital economy.
• Cooperation in areas such as AI, healthcare, scientific research, and emerging technologies.

Scope limitations

The decision of reciprocal adequacy does not apply to data transfers conducted exclusively for purposes of public security, national defense, State security, or criminal investigations, as provided for in the LGPD.