Data Strategy Briefing — G7 Digital Trade Principles

On 22 October 2021 G7 Trade Ministers endorsed the Digital Trade Principles, committing to open digital markets, cross-border data flows grounded in trust, safeguards for personal data, and secure digital infrastructure. The principles guide ongoing G7 work on standards and regulatory cooperation and provide reference points for businesses architecting global data services.

What changed

• The principles articulate support for cross-border data flows while endorsing safeguards for privacy, data protection, and intellectual property.
• They promote interoperable electronic trust and identity frameworks and oppose unjustified data localization.
• Ministers called for cooperation on cybersecurity, resilience, and safe AI deployment to underpin digital trade.

Why it matters

• Companies can cite the G7 Digital Trade Principles to justify interoperable architectures and resist unnecessary localization demands.
• Identity and trust service providers should align with the interoperability and security expectations to remain procurement-ready across G7 markets.
• Cybersecurity and privacy controls remain central to eligibility for cross-border services, requiring evidence and certifications.

Action checklist

• Review cross-border data strategies and document how privacy/security safeguards meet the G7 trust expectations.
• Align identity, authentication, and electronic trust services with recognized standards to support interoperability commitments.
• Engage policy teams to track follow-on G7 workstreams translating principles into concrete standards or assurance mechanisms.

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