Multi-industry statement on cross-border data transfers and data localization disciplines in the WTO negotiations on e-commerce

The undersigned organizations applaud the participating economies in the WTO Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) negotiations for their commitment to developing a framework of trade rules to unlock the potential of the Digital 21^st Century economy. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many aspects of public and commercial life into a remote environment, continued economic development, innovation, and employment depend upon cross-border access to digitally delivered services and technologies and upon the responsible and seamless movement of data across borders.

Our organizations and their member companies are active across the world and across economic sectors. Among other priorities, the ability to access technology and transfer data securely across international digital networks is of central importance to our operations, employees, customers, and supply chain partners, including MSMEs. No business can conduct international trade or commerce without this ability.

The JSI negotiations offer a unique opportunity to reach an international agreement that can help realize the promise of cross-border access to technology and the trusted movement of data across regions. To enhance certainty and economic opportunity, any agreement should discipline unnecessary or discriminatory data localization mandates and data transfer restrictions. Any agreement should be also be guided by principles of transparency and interoperability among legal frameworks; should apply across all economic sectors; and should require all countries to adopt or maintain legal frameworks to protect personal information.  

We commend the participating economies for their efforts to achieve a robust and meaningful outcome that will spread the benefits of a globally interconnected economy to all.

Sincerely yours,

• ACT | The App Association
• Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed)
• Advertising Information Group
• Africa Information and Communications Technology Alliance (AfICTA)
• American Automotive Policy Council
• American Property Casualty Insurance Association
• Asia Cloud Computing Association
• Asia Pacific Carriers Coalition
• Asociación de Internet MX
• Asociación Latinoamerica de Internet
• Asociación Mexicana de la Industria de Tecnologías de Información (AMITI)
• Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Software (ABES)
• Association of Competitive Telecom Operators (ACTO)
• Association of Equipment Manufacturers
• AusBiotech
• Australian Industry Group
• Australian Information Industry Association
• Australian Services Roundtable
• Autos Drive America
• BusinessEurope
• Business Council of Canada
• BIO – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization
• Bio Deutschland
• BSA | The Software Alliance
• Cámara Colombiana de Comercio Electrónico
• Canadian Services Coalition
• Centre for International Economic Collaboration (CFIEC)
• Coalition of Service Industries
• Computer & Communications Industry Association
• Consumer Technology Association
• Digital Europe
• Digital Trade Network
• EuropaBio
• European Australian Business Council
• European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA)
• European Publishers Council
• European Semiconductor Industry Association
• European Services Forum
• European Travel Commission
• Ecommerce Forum Africa
• Federation of European Direct and Interactive Marketing
• Global Data Alliance
• Global Financial Markets Association
• Indonesia Services Dialogue Council
• Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA)
• Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
• ICBA – International Council of Biotech Associations
• Internet Association
• Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE)
• Japan Electronics and Information Technology Association (JEITA)
• Japan Services Network
• Japan Information Industry Association (JISA)
• Japan Machinery Center for Trade and Investment (JMC)
• Mexican Chamber of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technologies (CANIETI)
• Motion Picture Association
• National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones
• National Association of Manufacturers
• National Foreign Trade Council
• National Retail Federation
• Pacific Asia Travel Association
• Semiconductor Industry Association
• Singapore Business Federation
• Software and Information Industry Association
• Swiss Biotech Association
• Taiwan Coalition of Services Industries
• TECHNATION Canada
• TechUK
• Telecommunications Industry Association
• The Advertising Association
• TheCityUK
• The International Association of Scholarly, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM)
• United States Information Technology Office (USITO)
• US Chamber of Commerce
• US Council for International Business
• US-India Strategic Partnership Forum
• World Information Technology and Services Alliance
• World Travel & Tourism Council