Dearth of data access rules hurts developing economies

Abstract

Subject The increasingly key role of data access and trading for international development. Significance 'Big data' is the bedrock of the digital economy, including in making possible the operation of artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated systems. This has made practices involved in data harvesting and utilisation key development (and political) issues. However, few international rules govern these areas outside the EU, potentially impeding developing economies, whose companies struggle to gain access to data that is a basic raw material for innovation. Impacts Growing privacy concerns in emerging markets will undermine regulators' efforts to improve widespread access even to non-personal data. 'Big tech' firms will insist that it remains premature to regulate the entire digital ecosystem. The development community will increasingly counter that access to data can now change the fortunes of entire industries.