26 Jan 2021

techUK Signs Multi-Industry Statement on Cross-Border Data Transfers and Data Localization in WTO Negotiations on E-Commerce

techUK joins other organisations in calling for an agreement which disciplines unnecessary or discriminatory data localization mandates and data transfer restrictions in the WTO e-commerce negotiations.

techUK is proud to join over 75 associations from Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceana & the Western Hemisphere calling for a cross-border data framework that matches the world’s highest standards. Together, we urge governments to make progress and set ambitious commitments in the WTO e-commerce talks to ensure safe and seamless cross-border data flows.

At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many aspects of public and commercial life into a remote environment, continued economic development, innovation, and employment depend upon cross-border access to digitally delivered services and technologies and upon the responsible movement of data across borders.

The statement was shared with the WTO JSI co-convenors. techUK will be joining a call with the JSI co-convenor delegations to receive an update on the status and timing fo the negotiations, with a particular focus on the issue of cross-border data transfers and data localisation disciplines.

Read our multi-industry statement below.

Multi Industry Statement on CrossBorder Data Transfers and Data Localization.pdf

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Sabina Ciofu

Head of EU and Trade Policy , techUK

Sabina leads techUK's international policy and engagement. Based in Brussels, she manages our EU policy priorities as well as our international trade agenda.

Sabina leads techUK’s engagement with the European Union institutions, as well as the EU Member States. Outside of the EU, her work is focused on key trade partners, such as the USA and Japan, as well as key international organisations, such as the WTO and the OECD. Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor in the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.

Sabina is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, where she has led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.

She holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: +32 473 323 280

Twitter:: @SabinaCiofu,@SabinaCiofu
Website:: www.techuk.org/,https://www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:: https://bit.ly/3todubH,https://bit.ly/3todub

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Alessandra Baldacchino

Policy Manager, Data, Cloud and AI, techUK

Alessandra is techUK’s Policy Manager for Data. She sits in the Policy team and works closely with techUK’s Technology and Innovation team.

Her work is focused on key issues such as the UK’s National Data Strategy, international data transfers, data protection and Smart Data. Prior to joining techUK, Alessandra worked for a public policy consultancy where she helped international technology companies navigate the risks and opportunities of digital policy.

Alessandra has experience working for the European Asylum Support Office, the Malta High Commission in London during Malta’s first rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, and the European Parliament. She has an academic background in public policy and European studies.