On 13 April 2023, Singapore was appointed as the deputy chair of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum’s policymaking body, the Global Forum Assembly.

Co-founded by Singapore and other participants in the APEC CBPR System in April 2022, the forum aims to promote the free flow of data and data protection and privacy globally through the establishment of the Global CBPR and Privacy Recognition for Processors (PRP) Systems. The forum is welcoming interested jurisdictions to participate in its release of the Global CBPR Framework and the forum’s Terms of Reference.

The framework is based on the APEC Privacy Framework and is consistent with the core principles of the OECD’s Guidelines on the Protection of Privacy and Trans-Border Flows of Personal Data.

In turn, the Terms of Reference set out the forum’s organisational structure. The forum’s chair will be the Director of Global Data Policy, International Trade Administration, from the US Department of Commerce. Other committee members include representatives from Japan‘s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Philippines’ National Privacy Commission.

Singapore‘s deputyship is an affirmation of its commitment towards championing transborder norms and standards with a view to creating an enhanced digital future globally.