WASHINGTON – January 28, 2021 – The Global Data Alliance today submitted its first Special 301 filing, emphasizing the ways that data localization and cross-border data transfer restrictions impair innovation and intellectual property rights and undermine market access for persons who rely on IP rights.

In its submission, the Global Data Alliance urged policymakers to maintain a strong commitment to policies that foster cross-data data-enabled innovation.

“Global Data Alliance members rely on the ability to transfer data across borders to create, innovate, and achieve scientific and technological advances,” said Joseph Whitlock, Director, Policy at BSA | The Software Alliance. “National policies that restrict cross-border data transfers limit that creativity, innovation, and R&D in the countries that implement them and beyond. The Global Data Alliance calls on the Office of the US Trade Representative to bring greater attention to this growing threat to innovation and scientific progress around the world.”

To read the Global Data Alliance’s submission, visit: https://www.globaldataalliance.org/downloads/01282021gda2021special301.pdf

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, Citi, ITB360, LEGO, Mastercard, Medtronic, Panasonic, Pfizer, RELX, Roche, UDS Technology, 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, financial services, health, media and entertainment, natural resources, supply chain, and telecommunications sectors, among others. BSA | The Software Alliance administers the Global Data Alliance.