On 7 to 8 September 2021 the ICO brought together data protection and privacy authorities from G7 countries, as well as guests from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), for a discussion on shared emerging challenges that need closer international collaboration.

The meeting was chaired by Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham, and took place virtually. The ICO has now published a communiqué agreed by the G7 authorities that sets out their commitment to cooperate in specific areas. Key issues discussed include:

• privacy and competition intersection: cross-regulatory collaboration to support a robust global digital economy;
• shaping the future of online tracking;
• designing artificial intelligence in line with data protection;
• redesigning remedies for the digital age;
• pandemic-driven tech innovation: a stress test for data protection rights;
• Government access and data flow at international level: what role for regulatory cooperation in ensuring real trust?; and
• development of a framework for cross-border transfer of personal data and cooperation between G7 data protection authorities.

To access the communiqué in full, click here.