ITIF Welcomes Launch of the International Data Transfer Expert Council with Nigel Cory as Member

WASHINGTON—Following the launch of the International Data Transfer Expert Council, providing independent advice to the UK government in its mission of unlocking the benefits of open and secure cross-border data flows, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy, released the following statement from Nigel Cory, associate director of trade policy at ITIF and member of the council:

The International Data Transfer Expert Council is one of the most important steps the UK can take now to secure its leadership in data, as the world lacks international rules and agreements on data enabling countries to enact their own restrictions. Without concerted action, the world will lose the significant societal and economic benefits from an open global digital economy.

The UK’s strategy also signals a much-needed change in approach—the government shows it now understands the importance of moving from defense to offense and proactively working with other countries on new agreements and tools to support international data flows. All these will hopefully turn into practical approaches for law enforcement and government access to data, health data sharing frameworks, and regulatory cooperation for financial data.

I look forward to working with the other board members and UK officials in ensuring the UK’s global data strategy is a success.