Singapore: UK and Singapore Digital Economy Agreement including cross-border data transfer measures enters into force

On 13 June 2022, the Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) signed by the United Kingdom and Singapore on 25 February 2022, enters into force. The Agreement updates 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.