ITI 'Pleased' by G7 Plan To Promote Free Data Flows, Oppose Localization Laws

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) said it's “pleased” the G7 information and communications technology ministers agreed over the weekend in G7's "Charter for a Digitally Connected World" to a new global approach to ICT policy that focuses on promoting and protecting free cross-border data flows online. The G7 ministers also agreed to data localization laws and will promote effective cybersecurity and privacy policies. ITI, DigitalEurope and the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Association jointly recommended in February that G7 promote the free flow of data and oppose data localization. “By advancing these principles, G7 governments are well-positioned to shape ICT policy for our global economy and address pressing challenges that governments and industries face,” including “harmful data localization requirements that threaten to split the Internet, undermine innovation, and therefore inhibit the expansion and benefits of digital technologies,” said ITI Global Policy Director-Localization, Trade and Multilateral Affairs Ed Brzytwa in a Tuesday blog post. The G7's decision to promote free data flows “has effectively set the stage” for those issues to factor into larger G20 meetings set to occur in Ise-Shima, Japan, in May, and in Hangzhou, China, in September, Brzytwa said.