Tech giant Google on Thursday advocated free flow of information for worldwide internet and digital economy, while informing them to be cautious against the creation of 'damaging or harmful impediments' on cross-border data transfers.

HIGHLIGHTS
Google has been frequently involved in conversations about data localization
Enright noted global internet and digital economy rely on free flow of information
US tech companies and advocacy groups had raised concerns on strict data policies

According to Keith Enright Google's Global Chief Privacy Officer, internet as per its very nature and functionality reflects its flexibility to move the data freely across territorial boundaries, like sending email, video conferencing, and other features, therefore, all of them needs 'free flow of data across borders.' Well, at a virtual briefing he has noted that global internet and digital economy completely depend on the free flow of information.

The significance can be assumed through comments as India has been putting up in place a data protection framework which usually contains rules associated with cross-border flow of information along with data localisation obligations. During the past time, numerous US tech companies and advocacy groups were seen to raise concerns over strict data localisation norms and proposed restrictions on cross-border data transfers.

As mentioned by Enright, 'We are actually concerned after seeing legal needs that might produce impediments to the way that the internet operates in this regard. So, as a collaborative nature we have been trying to engage with the legislators and regulators to make sure that we would continue providing our services everywhere within the world in such a way that people would have come to expect.'

The company has been noticed in mostly getting involved within the conversations regarding aspects like data localisation or data sovereignty.

'Generally, once we would have a conversation regarding this, we would try to understand the underlying policy objectives which would try to be advanced in that legislation. As well, the way we would try to meet those policy objectives while not making any sort of damaging or harmful impediments on cross border data transfers, which would be completely important for the internet to operate...' he had mentioned.

Enright had completely refused to be dragged into any kind of discussion on individual legal requirements, when another question aroused on India’s new cyber security directives.

He has mentioned about their commitment that they would completely comply with applicable legal needs, in jurisdictions where their products and services would be offered. But they had promised to do so in such a manner which would be the most protective for their users. However, they would continue to provide the strongest privacy and security protections without even looking at where the user sits.

Also Read: What's App's New Privacy Policy Needs to be Accepted, Why?