Document details

We Need to Talk About Data: Framing the Debate Around Free Flow of Data and Data Sovereignty

Internet and Jurisdiction Policy Network (2021), 55 pp.
"On the one hand, “Free Flow of Data” is advocated by many as a critical enabler of digital transformation, innovation, economic growth and social benefits. At the same time, various concerns related to privacy, taxation, competition, security, and even the democratic process, have prompted policy initiatives invoking the notion of “Data Sovereignty”. “Free flow” and “sovereignty” are terms which strongly resonate with policy-makers, businesses and even citizens. Their coupling with the word data too often generates visceral reactions and intense exchanges devoid of nuance, in a context of heated debates about the impacts of digitalization and growing geopolitical tensions. The diversity of sectoral silos where discussions are conducted worsens the situation and makes solutions even harder to find. This framing report seeks to unpack these two polarizing expressions to better understand actors’ perspectives, and shift the debate towards reconciling apparently conflicting approaches. The goal is not to provide a comprehensive overview of all the issues and stakeholder views, but to offer a holistic snapshot of the concerns and prominent perspectives to kick-start further debate. The report is organized in three self-explanatory parts: Data, Free Flows of Data, and Data Sovereignty. It concludes, in Moving Forward, with a call to reframe the discussion, harness emerging innovative approaches, and engage in a much needed global, multistakeholder and cross-sectoral debate." (Introduction)
1 On Data, 8
2 On Free Flow of Data, 21
3 On Data Sovereignty, 35
4 Moving Forward, 50