UK House of Lords launches inquiry on digital trade and data

The UK House of Lords International Trade Committee, which scrutinizes the spending, administration and policy of the UK Department of Trade, has launched an inquiry into digital trade and data. The Committee’s inquiry will explore a range of issues, including digital trade and data provisions in Free Trade Agreements, concerns around the security and privacy of data, the environmental impact of digital trade, and the relevant legal frameworks. The inquiry is guided by a set of questions related, for example, to the competitiveness of UK business in digital trade, the impact of digital trade on consumers, the approaches the UK should take when negotiating provisions on data flows and the approach the country should take on the current moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. The Committee is accepting contributions until 12 February.