China: Announced Global Cooperation Initiative on Cross-Border Data Flows

On 20 November 2024, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced the Global Cooperation Initiative on Cross-Border Data Flows. The initiative outlines a framework for promoting secure, efficient, and transparent cross-border data flows. It emphasises balancing technological innovation, economic development, and national security with the protection of privacy, intellectual property, and public interests. The initiative includes recommendations for fostering international collaboration, supporting regulatory alignment, encouraging e-commerce data transmission, and providing technical assistance to developing countries. It also advocates for safeguards to protect data and opposes discriminatory practices against specific countries or companies.