Commonwealth International Data Protection Development and Cross-border Transfers Project

Summary

This project will contribute to improved cross-border data flows among and with developing digital economies through bilateral workshops and other activities that will feed into Victoria University providing recommendations and options for the UK to develop a regulatory and policy framework on this issue.

Details

Aim

This project aims to improve cross-border data flows among and with developing digital economies by providing recommendations and options for the UK to develop a regulatory and policy framework on this issue.

Context

The free and safe flow of personal data, is one of the most pressing challenges for regulators and governments of our time.  Personal data is considered the new oil and will generate billions of dollars in economic activity. However, balancing the trade in data with a level of protection, is increasingly becoming complex to achieve, particularly when transferring that data across international borders.

The cross-border flow of personal data is increasingly important to the new digital economy for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The flow of this data transnationally will enable a new breed of ‘micro multinationals’ which are ‘born global’ and constantly connected to expand. Data flows will allow MSMEs to access IT services, such as cloud computing, reducing the need for costly upfront investment in digital infrastructure.

Outcomes

The intended outcome of the project is to enable the UK and partner countries to reduce barriers for digital trade through data-sharing agreements in the long-term.

Outputs

This project will provide recommendations and options for the UK to develop a regulatory and policy framework that will facilitate cross-border data flows in developing digital economies. These will draw on the current national approaches taken through FTAs, other agreements and national laws to facilitate the transnational data flows. They will ensure that the trade and transfer of personal data is undertaken under an effective and efficient framework that facilitates economic activity, while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place to protect personal data.

Activities

The project will deliver three virtual bilateral workshops by December 2021, with South Africa, Kenya and India.  These will bring together UK and international government officials, industry leaders and national regulators from selected countries to discuss data issues and share best practices.