Building an Information-Sharing Mechanism to Boost Regulatory Frameworks on Cross- Border Data Flows

Digital trade, including the cross-border supply of services, can be a game changer for developing G20 economies, which have yet to seize the full momentum of fast digitalisation. As different governance approaches to cross-border data flows (CBDF) co- exist, the significant information gap and the growing divergence in regulatory frameworks remain important obstacles to digital trade. This policy brief examines existing national and international regulatory frameworks and recommends that G20 economies work on the design and establishment of a centralised Digital Regulation and Information Repository (DRIR) comprising information on regulatory arrangements and institutional frameworks governing CBDF in different jurisdictions. A DRIR will not only enhance transparency and information sharing, but serve as an avenue to build consensus towards a successful and inclusive regulatory framework. Further, it can be a valuable tool for future trade, digital agreements negotiations, and to inform economies of necessary policy and regulatory reforms.