Open AccessThe I nternet, Cross‐Border Data Flows and International Trade
Author(s) -
Meltzer Joshua Paul
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
asia and the pacific policy studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.529
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 2050-2680
DOI - 10.1002/app5.60
Subject(s) - the internet , business , international trade , key (lock) , e commerce , cloud computing , commerce , computer science , computer security , world wide web , operating system
The I nternet and the free flow of data across borders is becoming a key platform for international trade. Digital products can be sold online and the Internet provides opportunities for business to use the I nternet to manage global supply chains, communicate with customers and access IT in the cloud. At the same time, governments are restricting the I nternet in ways that reduce the ability of businesses and entrepreneurs to use the Internet as a place for international commerce and limit the access of consumers to goods and services. This article discusses the importance of the Internet and cross‐border data flows for international trade. It proposes steps that governments should take to apply existing international trade rules and norms and identifies where new trade rules are required to further support the Internet and cross‐border data flows and drivers of international commerce and trade.