Cross-Border Data / Data Localization

The rapid and seamless movement of data across borders is essential to the 21st century global economy. Cross-border data transfers allow software companies to provide new and innovative services to every sector of the economy – driving growth, enabling the technologies of the future, improving health and safety, and promoting social good. BSA supports international data transfer agreements such as the EU US Privacy Shield, data transfer frameworks such as the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules, and data transfer provisions in trade agreements.

Data Localization

Some countries are considering, or have implemented, measures that mandate data localization. Laws that require data to be stored locally, or that restrict the movement of data across borders, not only impede innovation in the development of cutting-edge technology, but also put every local business at a competitive disadvantage by limiting the services available to them. BSA advocates the adoption of trade norms to prevent data localization requirements and opposes new localization proposals and requirements in markets around the world.

Download: BSA Cross Border Data Flows

Global Data Alliance: BSA's Cross-Industry Coalition

The free movement of data across borders drives economic growth, development, and opportunity for all. Learn more by visiting www.globaldataalliance.org.

FEATURED POLICY RESEARCH / POSITION PAPERS

Victoria Espinel's Privacy Shield Testimony Cover Page

US: Testimony of Victoria A. Espinel Before the Senate Commerce Committee on “The Invalidation of the EU-US Privacy Shield and the Future of Transatlantic Data Flows”

DEC 09, 2020 | US

Cross-Border Data

Principles: Additional Safeguards for SCC Transfers

OCT 22, 2020 | GLOBAL

BSA | The Software Alliance has identified seven principles to guide companies adopting additional safeguards for EU data transfers.

Privacy Cross-Border Data

The Future of Transatlantic Data Flows

SEP 23, 2020 | US

Companies of all sizes and in all industries need to move data across the Atlantic to reach customers, manage supply chains, collaborate on research, and improve the services they provide to businesses and individuals. And customers—on both sides of the Atlantic—deserve to know that their personal data will be maintained private and secure when their data is transferred. Transatlantic data flows are among the most important for both Europe and the US, accounting for over one-half of Europe’s data transfers and about half of US data transfers. A disruption of transatlantic data flows could have significant adverse effects on consumers, businesses, and economic vitality.

Trade Cross-Border Data

Cross-Border Transfer: Myths vs. Facts

JUN 11, 2019 | US

The rapid and seamless movement of data across borders is essential to the 21st century global economy — driving growth and innovation across all sectors. Some countries, however, are considering — or have implemented — measures that mandate data localization and restrict cross-border data flows.

Cross-Border Data

Cross-Border Data Flows

NOV 12, 2017 | GLOBAL

Data moving across borders is critical for the services that sustain global commerce, improve health and safety, promote social good, and enable the technologies of the future.

THE LATEST POLICY NEWS

BSA Calls on USTR to Combat Innovation-Related Data Barriers in Special 301 Process

APR 30, 2021 | US

BSA | The Software Alliance welcomes today’s release of the 2021 Special 301 report from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The Special 301 process is an important opportunity for USTR to address data-related innovation barriers such as data localization mandates and unnecessary data transfer restrictions. Read more

IP Trade Cross-Border Data

BSA Welcomes Ratification of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

APR 28, 2021 | EUROPEAN UNION | UNITED KINGDOM | EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

“The UK and the EU are two of the most open, innovative, and connected economies in the world. BSA welcomes the TCA, particularly its chapter on digital trade, which will help safeguard the responsible movement of data between both long-standing partners and encourage economic growth,” said Isabelle Roccia, Director, Policy – EMEA at BSA. Read more

Trade Cross-Border Data

BSA Applauds Confirmation of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai

MAR 17, 2021 | US

BSA | The Software Alliance welcomes today’s confirmation of Katherine Tai as United States Trade Representative (USTR). As the US works to recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, forward-looking digital trade policies are more important than ever. Read more

Trade Cross-Border Data

See all