Cybersecurityi2Coalition Fulfills USTR Comment Request On NAFTA Modernization
The i2Coalition has submitted comments for the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) request for comments on negotiating objectives regarding modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico. The request is available on the federal register here.
Our comments focus on those areas of the Internet economy critical to our member’s businesses, and the livelihoods and activities of our customers. We have respectfully requested that in formulating its negotiating objectives, USTR considers the fact that the business of Internet infrastructure providers lies overwhelmingly in facilitating the commerce and digital activities of others. Internet infrastructure providers are a key, but relatively fragile, component of the Internet. Recognizing the economic impacts of liability, regulation, and the preservation of well-understood roles related to intellectual property will be crucial to ensuring the continued vitality of this industry. The comments can be found embedded below.
Topics of discussion:
- Product Encryption and Cryptographic Products
- National Security Exceptions
- Certification Requirements
- Digital Trade Issues
- Data Flows
- Localization
- Regulatory Transparency
- Intermediary Liability
- Intellectual Property
“The Internet infrastructure industry generates more than $100 billion in annual revenue and is growing at a rate of nearly 20% per year. The USTR has the opportunity to facilitate and enhance U.S. economic growth and job creation through a modernized NAFTA that will include disciplines that will support a strong and growing Internet infrastructure.” – i2Coalition Co-Founder, Board and Policy Working Group Chair David Snead.
https://i2coalition.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/06-08-2017-NAFTA-FR-Response-final.pdf