On 1 August 2014, the social security agreement between the U.S. and Switzerland entered into force, and applies from that date. The agreement replaces the agreement signed in 1979, which was amended by a protocol in 1988. Main changes from the previous agreement include revision of the rules for entitlement to Swiss disability pensions to ensure equality of treatment between U.S. and Swiss nationals, updates for the provisions on personal information confidentiality, and other changes to reflect changes in U.S. and Swiss laws.