Privacy Across Borders (PAB) is a research initiative within the Tech, Law & Security Program at the American University Washington College of Law. We focus on complex challenges facing stakeholders as they seek to harness the benefits of emerging technologies while safeguarding privacy, civil liberties, and national security.
In a world shaped by divergent legal systems, cultural norms, and geopolitical agendas, PAB explores points of convergence and develops practical strategies to bridge differences. We promote shared principles and collaborative solutions to strengthen global trust and advance responsible data governance. We aim to equip stakeholders with the research, information, and analysis they need to promote rights-respecting data flows among rule-of-law democracies.
Initially concentrated on transatlantic data flows in the wake of Schrems II, our work now spans the legal and policy frameworks affecting data flows around the world, with a focus on privacy, AI governance, and government access to data for law enforcement and national security purposes. Recent areas of focus include:
- Mapping shared principles and bridging differences across privacy, AI governance, and government access regimes.
- Assessing the national security and geopolitical implications of AI, encryption, and data localization.
- Evaluating key national laws and practices that impact trust across borders among like-minded democracies.
Led by Senior Project Director Alex Joel—a former Civil Liberties Protection Officer for the U.S. intelligence community—and supported by Senior Legal Researcher Shanzay Pervaiz, PAB combines academic rigor with direct engagement across sectors. Our research is guided by biweekly consultations with a multidisciplinary group of external advisors.
PAB produces original research, blog posts, and white papers. We also created the PAB Resource Guide, a curated directory of legal resources for researchers and practitioners. PAB contributes regularly to international conferences and forums shaping privacy and AI policy. Our work provides policymakers and other stakeholders with the information and tools they need to advance solutions that promote trusted data flows.