Regional Privacy Frameworks and Cross-Border Data Flows

According to McKinsey research, international data flows have increased global GDP by 10.1 per cent over the past decade. Both ASEAN and APEC have officially recognised in their privacy frameworks the vital contribution that cross-border data flows make to trade and economic growth in their region. Although the Asia Pacific region has made good progress in developing and implementing data privacy frameworks that both protect citizens and allow data to flow across borders, the report highlights that variances in data privacy laws across countries are holding back trade and innovation.

This report evaluates various regional data privacy frameworks and their key principles, while diving down into individual countries to identify national approaches to privacy regulation. The report outlines options for improving linkages at a regional level between Asia’s two main privacy frameworks – the ASEAN Framework on Personal Data Protection and the APEC Privacy Framework. Furthermore, it highlights specific steps that all countries, including less developed states, can take to support greater alignment of privacy frameworks across Asia.

Click here to read the related report Cross-Border Data Flows: Realising benefits and removing barriers