Representatives from Google, Mastercard and Microsoft were amongst the 20 experts who met yesterday to launch the International Data Transfer Expert Council.
The International Data Transfer Expert Council aims to provide independent advice to the Government to help it utilise the benefits of free and secure cross-border data flows following Brexit.
International data transfers provide the foundations for tech, from GPS navigation and smart devices to online banking. Removing barriers to data flows will mean these services can be provided more reliably, cheaply and securely.
Household tech, industry names, international universities and organisations are represented on the council, such as the World Economic Forum and the Future of Privacy Forum. The Council will give advice on the development of new international data transfer tools and mechanisms and securing new data adequacy partnerships with other countries.
There is a range of mechanisms under current UK data protection law that organisations can use to transfer personal data to other countries, including standard contractual clauses and binding corporate rules however billions of pounds worth of trade go unrealised around the world due to barriers associated with data transfers.
During its first meeting, the council discussed the global opportunities and challenges for international transfers and how the UK can be a global leader in removing barriers to cross-border data flows.
It will continue to meet quarterly covering issues such as future data adequacy partnerships, the development of new data transfer tools, and how Governments can work together to promote greater trust in sharing personal data for law enforcement and national security purposes.