Joint Statement

International Network for Digital Regulation Cooperation and OECD co-host workshop to explore key regulatory areas of joint concern

November 8, 2024

International Network for Digital Regulation Cooperation (INDRC) – Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) workshop: The interplay between digital regulatory frameworks – challenges and opportunities of structural collaboration

On 8 November 2024, the INDRC and the OECD co-hosted a workshop to discuss the interplay between each of their regulatory domains in relation to new technologies and digital innovation, and how closer cooperation between agencies can help deliver more coherent regulatory responses and improve public confidence.

INDRC members, OECD delegates and experts from across global regulatory regimes shared their perspectives on the challenges posed by fast-paced digital transformation, data-driven markets and emerging technologies, including AI-generated content and Large Language Models (LLMs). They shared current experiences of collaboration from their jurisdictions and how these are contributing to coherence in addressing emerging challenges.

The INDRC was set up in June 2023 to facilitate sharing of information and exchange on best practice in relation to regulatory collaboration. The network currently comprises the digital regulation coordination bodies from Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

INDRC members resolved to continue their ongoing dialogue on knowledge sharing, and practical cooperation on cross-cutting issues and emerging areas of regulatory concern. INDRC members particularly welcomed the input and continued support of OECD in bringing together regulators and industry and civil society representatives from a wide group of countries and defining areas of common interest.

Quotes

“The rise of the digital economy has created regulatory challenges that span multiple sectors and jurisdictions, making cooperation between traditional regulatory frameworks essential. Expanding remits mean regulators can no longer afford to work in silos and must consider digital issues in a more holistic fashion to ensure coherence. Collaboration between agencies domestically and across borders increases regulators’ efficiency, and reduces regulatory burden, fostering a more supportive environment for innovation and growth protecting people online.”

Kate Jones
CEO of UK Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF)

“From my perspective as Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, collaboration is vital to our success. That includes our work with fellow regulators through Australia’s Digital Platform Regulators Forum (DP-REG), which I currently chair, as well as our international counterparts through the INDRC and the Global Online Safety Regulators Forum, which we established in 2022. DP-REG has been proactive in addressing the implications of emerging technologies, such as AI and multimodal foundation models through working papers and research. I know our international colleagues have a similar focus. Promoting global regulatory coherence in these and other related issues is absolutely fundamental. Our collaboration through INDRC and GOSRN are the means to achieve this and I look forward to further, productive dialogue and cooperation.”

Julie Inman Grant
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner

“In a world where information flows transcend borders and jurisdictions, collaboration between domestic and global regulators is essential. Cross-regulatory cooperation is increasingly important to ensure the protection of the full scope of rights and interests of individuals in the digital space, including their fundamental right to privacy. This is the reason that the Canadian Digital Regulators Forum – comprising privacy, competition, broadcasting, and copyright regulators – was established and why joining the INDRC was among our first orders of business.”

Philippe Dufresne
Privacy Commissioner of Canada and Chair of the Canadian Digital Regulator’s Forum

“There is lots to learn from the different experiences internationally on how to coordinate digital regulation at the national level. Different countries and regions have taken different approaches to this complex task. The ultimate goal of effective and coherent regulation is important for people and for enterprise.”

John Evans
Digital Service Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán (Ireland)

“Digitalisation impacts every facet of our society, bringing both opportunities and challenges. In the Netherlands, agencies are collaborating to address these effects, both positive and negative, to ensure citizens’ fundamental rights are protected in this digital age. Alongside safeguarding rights, society must also confront the challenges digitalization poses to safety, cybersecurity, and the effective functioning of markets. Early identification of potential negative impacts is essential, but it’s equally important to dispel misconceptions that might hinder innovation. For instance, when new regulations create uncertainty, agencies work together to provide clarity. This endeavour requires a collective effort from society as a whole, making collaboration between authorities not only sensible but essential.”

Aleid Wolfsen
Chairman of Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (Dutch DPA) 

Media contact

International Network for Digital Regulation Cooperation
drcf@ofcom.org.uk

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
communications@priv.gc.ca