WASHINGTON – July 23, 2020 – The Global Data Alliance welcomes the statement on cross-border data transfers reflected in the G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ Declaration issued on July 22, 2020. That Declaration recognizes that the “cross-border flow of data, information, ideas and knowledge generates higher productivity, greater innovation, and improved sustainable development,” while also implicating privacy and personal data considerations.

“We applaud the G20 economies’ shared recognition of the benefits of cross-border flow of data to productivity, innovation, and economic development,” said Joseph Whitlock, Director, Policy at BSA | The Software Alliance. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, seamless cross-border connectivity is more important than ever to conducting cross-border research & development, keeping workforces productive and employed, and restoring the health of markets around the world.”

The G20 comprises economies from across the globe, including Brazil, China, the EU, India, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States. The G20 Declaration also underscores the value of identifying common approaches to transferring data across borders and reaffirms the importance of relevant WTO negotiations. The Global Data Alliance looks forward to working with G20 economies that seek to maintain economic activity by fostering the cross-border movement of information while building trust and addressing challenges regarding privacy and personal data protection.

About the Global Data Alliance

The Global Data Alliance (globaldataalliance.org) is a cross-industry coalition of companies that are committed to high standards of data responsibility and that rely on the ability to transfer data around the world to innovate and create jobs. The Alliance supports policies that help instill trust in the digital economy while safeguarding the ability to transfer data across borders and refraining from imposing data localization requirements that restrict trade.

Alliance members include BSA members and American Express, Amgen, AT&T, ITB360, LEGO, Mastercard, Panasonic, Pfizer, Roche, United Airlines, Verizon, Visa, and WD-40 Company. These companies are headquartered across the globe and are active in the advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, energy, financial services, health, supply chain, and telecommunications sectors, among others. BSA | The Software Alliance administers the Global Data Alliance.