What restricts the flow of personal information to countries that do not comply with strict European information laws?

The European Union Data Protection Directive is the correct choice because it sets out the legal framework that governs the processing of personal data within the European Union and includes specific provisions to protect the privacy of individual data subjects. A key aspect of this directive is the regulation of data transfers outside the EU to ensure that personal data is not sent to countries with inadequate levels of data protection. This means that countries wishing to receive personal data from the EU must have laws in place that align with EU standards for data protection, ensuring individuals' rights are upheld.

The directive plays a critical role in creating a consistent approach to data privacy across member states, thereby facilitating a regulated environment where personal information is safeguarded. It has been essential in shaping the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which further reinforces these principles and controls data transfer more stringently.