Singapore: UK and Singapore reach consensus on the Digital Economy Agreement containing cross-border data tranfer measures

On 9 December 2021, the United Kingdom and Singapore reached an agreement on a Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) that will update the trade rules on goods and services between the nations. The key elements of the Singapore DEA are the removal of barriers to enable cross-border data flows, commitments for personal data protection and data security, and the creation of a new partnership to develop stronger cybersecurity defences against attacks from private entities and states. Particularly, the DEA establishes that the countries shall not restrict the cross-border transfer of data, except when the aim is to "achieve a legitimate public policy objective". In that case, such measures shall not impose disproportionate restrictions, or arbitrary discriminations or restrictions on trade.