Free Flow Of Data Key For Global Internet: Google
Alphabet-owned internet search giant, Google has relayed its advocacy for the free flow of information on the global internet and digital economy while cautioning against the creation of "damaging or harmful impediments" to cross-border data transfers.
The statement comes at a time when India is mooting the idea of placing an information safety framework that restricts cross-border flow of information, and obligates data localisation. In the past, US tech companies and advocacy groups have raised concerns over strict data localisation norms and restricting cross-border data transfers.
"Our committment is that we will comply with applicable legal requirements, in jurisdictions where our products and services are offered. But we will do so in the manner that is most protective of our users. We will continue innovating to provide the strongest privacy and security protections, irrespective of where user sits," he said.
"We are concerned when we see legal requirements that could create impediments to the way that the internet operates in that regard. So we try to engage collaboratively with legislators and regulators to ensure that we can continue providing our services everywhere in the world in a way that people have come to expect," Enright said.
Asked whether India's proposed data protection legislation would be a limiting factor for big tech firms and their operations in India, Enright said that Google's local teams in India and global public policy teams continue to engage with policymakers locally and around the world, on such issues.
"Generally, when we have a conversation about this, we try to understand what are the underlying policy objectives that are trying to be advanced in that legislation. And how can we meet those policy objectives without creating damaging or harmful impediments on cross-border data transfers, which are necessary for the internet to operate," he said.
"Our commitment is that we will comply with applicable legal requirements, in jurisdictions where our products and services are offered. But we will do so in the manner that is most protective of our users. We will continue innovating to provide the strongest privacy and security protections, irrespective of where the user sits," he added.
