G7: Adopted G7 Digital and Tech Ministers' Statement on Operationalisation of Data Free Flow with Trust

On 1 December 2023, the Group of Seven (G7) Digital and Tech Ministers and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) met to advance the implementation of Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT), focusing on enhancing cross-border data flows. The ministers reiterated their commitment to operationalize DFFT by identifying commonalities and convergence in existing regulatory frameworks to ensure trusted data flow and interoperability, including stakeholder engagement, technological roles, and policy clarifications. The parties noted that efforts continued to establish an Institutional Arrangement for Partnership (IAP) as outlined in the G7 Hiroshima Leaders' Communiqué and other previous declarations. The IAP aims to address gaps in the international governance of DFFT, involving diverse stakeholders and data governance experts to develop pragmatic solutions for cross-border personal and non-personal data flow. The group urged the IAP to initiate projects, collaborate broadly, and update on progress. The OECD's role in advancing this international effort was acknowledged, with anticipation for Japan's chairmanship at the 2024 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting and continuity in the agenda under the 2024 Italian G7 Presidency.