Global Industry Coalition Urges G7 to Advance Data Free Flow With Trust

BRUSSELS, TOKYO, WASHINGTON – April 20, 2023 – A global coalition of 35 industry and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Canada, Europe, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others, have signed onto a joint statement voicing their support for the G7’s efforts to promote Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT).

Ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit in Hiroshima, the Global Data Alliance has convened a cross-sector group of 35 industry associations and NGOs urging G7 leaders to support DFFT – an initiative first proposed by Japan in 2019 to promote digital trust and the ability to transfer data across transnational digital networks.

The 35 organizations are urging G7 Parties to support international legal norms and best practices on cross-border data. In particular, governments should not use data transfer rules to discriminate against non-nationals and ensure that when such rules are needed, they are narrowly framed.

The Global Industry Statement also puts forward several concrete DFFT work proposals, noting:

“We … urge G7 Parties to explore concrete approaches to advancing DFFT. These should include: (a) aligning their own data transfer policies across economies and with international standards; (b) promoting and strengthening cross-border data interoperability mechanisms, such as the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum; (c) analyzing the importance of data transfers – and the costs of restrictions – in key sectors; and (d) collectively supporting the OECD Declaration on Government Access to Personal Data Held by Private Sector Entities.”

Joseph Whitlock, Director, Policy at BSA | The Software Alliance, said, “We strongly support Japan’s leadership on DFFT. Cross-border data transfers support efforts to address challenges relating to cybersecurity, digital transformation, climate change, financial inclusion, public health, privacy, and digital trade.”

Whitlock, who is also the Executive Director of the Global Data Alliance, emphasized the importance of public-private sector commitments to digital trust as digital and tech ministers prepare to meet in Gunma, Japan.

“We are urging the G7 to support a public-private commitment to digital trust, where governments do not limit data transfers for protectionist purposes or through measures that are more restrictive than necessary,” Whitlock said. “And the private sector should build trust by adhering to high standards of digital responsibility, including through the adoption of strong internal controls regarding cybersecurity, data security, financial transparency, and regulatory compliance.”

Read the multi-industry statement in full here.