Taiwan joins the U.S.-led Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum April 21, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Courtesy of Presidential Office)
 

Taiwan has become one of the founding members of the U.S.-led Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum, underscoring the government’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to promote trusted global data flows and privacy protection, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs April 21.

Together with other founding economies including Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the Philippines and the U.S., the seven members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation jointly issued a Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Declaration.

The establishment of the Global CBPR Forum will promote interoperability and help bridge different regulatory approaches to data protection and privacy, the declaration said. Participation in the forum is open to those jurisdictions which accept its objectives and principles, it added.

The U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo said in a statement that the launch of the forum reflects a new era of multilateral cooperation in promoting trusted global data flows. It intends to set up the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules and Privacy Recognition for Processors Systems, first-of-their-kind data privacy certifications that help companies demonstrate compliance with international standards, she added.

The forum will also facilitate trade and international data flows while making the digital economy work for consumers and businesses of all sizes, she said.

According to the MOFA, Taiwan responded to the call from the U.S. to expand participation in the APEC CBPR System—the predecessor of the forum—to the world. The country’s engagement is also expected to raise its profile in international privacy protection while enhancing the development of cross-border digital trade, the ministry added.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “#Taiwan proudly joins fellow @APEC members the #US, #Canada, #Japan, #SouthKorea, #Singapore & the #Philippines in establishing the Global CBPR Forum. The digital sector initiative builds cooperation & compliance on promoting trusted data flows & protecting privacy.” (YCH-E)