China Telecom and IDSA Collaborate on Data Cross-Border Flow: Advancing Global Data Exchange
In a significant move toward enhancing global data sharing, China Telecom and the International Data Spaces Association (IDSA) held an in-depth exchange on October 31st, 2024, exploring potential avenues for cross-border data flow cooperation. Reinhold Achatz, Chairman of the IDSA, led a delegation to China Telecom's headquarters to engage in discussions on establishing secure, cross-border data spaces that could drive the development of an interconnected, global data market. This meeting, attended by notable figures from both organizations, underscored the importance of developing standardized frameworks for safe and secure data sharing across borders.
Representing China Telecom, Shao Guanglu, Director of the Science and Technology Committee, and Liu Zhiyong, Deputy Chief Engineer, alongside senior leaders from various business units, participated in the exchange. Both parties explored how data spaces—frameworks enabling secure and trusted data exchanges—could facilitate international cooperation in handling data as a key economic asset. By establishing such spaces, China Telecom and IDSA aim to contribute to a worldwide data ecosystem that operates with clear standards for trustworthiness, security, and data autonomy.
IDSA’s Vision for Secure and Trustworthy Data Spaces
During the exchange, Reinhold Achatz highlighted the significance of a global, secure, and collaborative approach to data sharing. As a non-profit organization with over 100 members across 20 countries, IDSA emphasizes creating secure data spaces that ensure full data autonomy for each participating entity. The association champions the idea that data spaces foster trust by allowing organizations to share data transparently, helping fuel the data economy's growth and innovation.
IDSA representatives also discussed their existing practices in developing data ecosystems designed to meet global standards. They emphasized that a trustworthy and open data ecosystem relies on joint efforts from various stakeholders to develop comprehensive policies and standards. Such frameworks could serve as a reference point, allowing different nations and industries to establish interoperable, cross-border data exchanges that support safe and responsible data flows.
WBBA's Call for Collaboration in Data Flow Initiatives
Liu Zhiyong, who is a prominent member of the World Broadband Association (WBBA), stressed the organization’s commitment to reducing the digital divide and fostering collaboration within the broadband and cloud computing sectors. Liu emphasized that as data becomes an increasingly critical economic asset, the demand for secure, cross-border data flow solutions grows stronger. The WBBA advocates for deepened international collaboration to create a reliable, resilient data environment that will benefit the global economy and support the rapid expansion of the data elements industry.
China Telecom’s Role in Digital Transformation and Innovation
China Telecom shared its progress in digital transformation, highlighting its contribution to Digital China through seven key areas of innovation: cloud-network integration, data services, AI, cybersecurity, quantum technology, platform development, and next-generation communication. Through these advancements, China Telecom has established the “Lingze” data element platform and the “Galaxy” integrated cross-border data flow solution, which form the backbone of its strategy to drive the safe and efficient circulation of data.
These innovations position China Telecom as a central player in promoting data marketization and enhancing the international flow of data. By implementing these solutions, China Telecom is setting a benchmark for the construction of a multilateral, collaborative cross-border data space that aligns with global data security standards.
Looking Ahead: Building a Globally Integrated Data Market
The discussions concluded with a preliminary consensus to pursue ongoing international cooperation, focusing on establishing universal standards and policies for cross-border data flows. Both China Telecom and IDSA have committed to furthering the development of international data spaces that unlock data's economic value by enabling secure, reliable global circulation.
With data now recognized as a core driver of economic growth, its cross-border flow is essential for the development of a dynamic, interconnected global economy. China Telecom is pushing the frontier of data technology, accelerating innovation in cross-border data transfer as part of its broader mission to support Digital China's digital infrastructure and economic influence.
Conclusion: A Future Built on Data Collaboration
The partnership between China Telecom and IDSA signifies a critical step toward creating a unified global data market that operates with shared standards for security and trustworthiness. As both organizations advance their collaborative efforts, their work will serve as a foundation for secure and efficient data exchange—an essential resource for fostering global economic development in the digital age.
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