This document discusses the European approach to data protection and reconciling it with other interests and rights. It outlines the key principles of European data protection law, including requirements for personal data processing, sensitive data rules, and transparency. It acknowledges tensions with economic, security and other interests. It analyzes rules governing international data transfers and derogations. While the law initially took a flexible approach, more recent court rulings have emphasized data protection as a fundamental right and imposed stricter standards for determining if non-EU countries ensure an adequate level of protection. The upcoming General Data Protection Regulation poses challenges in further restricting data transfers abroad.