Analysis of Data Localization Measures Under WTO Services Trade Rules and Commitments

This policy brief confirms that key data-related issues confronting companies in the global digital economy can be addressed through the existing framework of rules under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). In particular, the policy brief establishes that when WTO Members undertake commitments on trade in services, GATS rules protect international trade in services, including rights to store, process and deliver data across borders.

Tag: Digital Economy, Dispute Settlement, General Agreement on Trade in Services, Multilateral, Services, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, System Legitimacy, Trade in Services Agreement, Trans-Pacific Partnership