A Roadmap for Cross-Border Data Flows

The report argues that cross-border data flows are essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and post-COVID-19 economic recovery, but are currently hindered by rising data localization requirements. It provides a three-part framework: establishing trust through the removal of localization barriers and the implementation of data protection and cybersecurity laws; incentivizing international cooperation via accountability mechanisms and technical interoperability; and future-proofing policies by recognizing emerging models like federated learning and data trusts.

• Data localization requirements—laws or policies mandating that data be stored within a specific territory—restrict the cross-border flow of data and can increase costs for cloud computing, particularly for SMEs.
• The report argues that data localization is often based on the misconception that it improves privacy or cybersecurity, whereas risk detection and response actually require robust security controls rather than geographic restrictions.
• To facilitate data flows, governments should adopt a 'data flow by default' approach, allowing narrow, non-discriminatory exceptions only for legitimate national security or public policy objectives.
• Effective cross-border data sharing requires national legal frameworks for data protection. Approximately 28% of countries currently lack such legislation, risking their ability to attract digital trade and investment.
• Cybersecurity trust can be established through the creation of civilian cybersecurity agencies, the adoption of global standards like ISO 27001 and AICPA SOC 2 Type 2, and the inclusion of 'anti-snooping' clauses in international agreements.
• Accountability for personal data transfers should ideally remain with the data exporter to ensure individuals can exercise their rights without the impracticality of engaging with foreign entities.
• Technical interoperability is critical for maximizing the value of combined datasets for AI and IoT; governments should encourage the use of open or standard Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and data portability to prevent vendor lock-in.
• Future-proof policies should recognize alternative data-sharing models where insights or algorithms move instead of the raw data, such as federated learning and data trusts.

APA

World Economic Forum (2020). A Roadmap for Cross-Border Data Flows. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_A_Roadmap_for_Cross_Border_Data_Flows_2020.pdf

Chicago

World Economic Forum. A Roadmap for Cross-Border Data Flows. 2020. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_A_Roadmap_for_Cross_Border_Data_Flows_2020.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=A Roadmap for Cross-Border Data Flows |date=June 2020 |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_A_Roadmap_for_Cross_Border_Data_Flows_2020.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2020roadmap, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{A Roadmap for Cross-Border Data Flows}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2020}, month = jun, url = {http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_A_Roadmap_for_Cross_Border_Data_Flows_2020.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }