Industry executive: USTR is mirroring China’s data stance, undermining U.S. interests

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s decision to withdraw support for key data-related provisions in the World Trade Organization’s joint statement initiative on e-commerce puts the U.S. in line with China’s position on data flows, according to Global Data Alliance Executive Director Joseph Whitlock, who said the move undermines U.S. interests and raises policy questions about USTR’s decision-making process. USTR last week said it would no longer support JSI proposals crafted to ensure the free flow of data across...