WASHINGTON – November 26, 2018 – BSA | The Software Alliance pushed for the inclusion of digital trade rules as an early achievement in the upcoming US-Japan negotiations, in comments submitted to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR). The United States now has a critical chance to build upon the landmark digital trade chapter in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by setting core digital standards in trade negotiations with like-minded countries, including Japan. These standards will benefit US economic competitiveness and act as an invaluable counter-narrative to protectionist policies by regional actors. As global leaders in the development of AI, the United States and Japan should seize the opportunity to promote cooperation and harmonization on key policy issues that impact the continued development of the technology.

In its comments, BSA specifically urged USTR to include strong provisions that allow cross-border data flows, prohibit data localization requirements, protect source codes and algorithms, recognize electronic signatures, and support encryption, among others. BSA looks forward to working with the Administration to ensure that 21st century digital trade standards are negotiated as an early achievement in the negotiations. 

Learn more about BSA’s digital trade priorities and the benefits of cross-border data flows.