81 FR 24067 - Measuring Cross-Border Data Flows: Unmet Data Needs Roundtable

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 79 (April 25, 2016)

As part of the Digital Economy Agenda, the Department of Commerce is working to identify data gaps in measuring the importance of cross-border data flows and the economic impact of restrictions to the free-flow of data. Through this Notice, we announce a roundtable to facilitate a discussion with stakeholders and experts as a first step in improving the Department's understanding of those data gaps and related economic questions.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 79 (Monday, April 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 24067]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09500]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration


Measuring Cross-Border Data Flows: Unmet Data Needs Roundtable

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of open meeting.

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SUMMARY: As part of the Digital Economy Agenda, the Department of 
Commerce is working to identify data gaps in measuring the importance 
of cross-border data flows and the economic impact of restrictions to 
the free-flow of data. Through this Notice, we announce a roundtable to 
facilitate a discussion with stakeholders and experts as a first step 
in improving the Department's understanding of those data gaps and 
related economic questions.

DATES: The roundtable will be held on May 9, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 
12:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.

ADDRESSES: The roundtable will be held at the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics Conference Center, 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE., Washington, 
DC

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Giulia McHenry, Chief Economist, NTIA, 
at (202) 482-0061 or [email protected]; Jessica Nicholson, 
Economist, Office of the Chief Economist, Department of Commerce at 
(202) 482-2343 or [email protected] and/or visit NTIA's Web site at 
www.ntia.doc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) 
recognizes that worldwide data usage and data flows between countries 
are growing and becoming an increasingly important component of 
international trade and communication between individuals and 
businesses worldwide. It is generally accepted that cross-border data 
flows increase economic opportunity and restrictions to these flows are 
economically detrimental, but there is relatively little supporting 
data or evidence. Commerce is working to identify data gaps in 
measuring the importance of cross-border data flows and the economic 
impact of restrictions to the free-flow of data. We are hosting this 
roundtable of stakeholders and experts as a first step in improving the 
information available to data users and other stakeholders. The goal of 
this roundtable is to get input from stakeholders on what additional 
data and analysis on cross-border data flows is necessary.
    NTIA will post a detailed agenda on its Web site, www.ntia.doc.gov, 
prior to the meeting. The roundtable will include two-break-out 
sessions during which subject-matter experts will be divided into small 
groups for the purpose of providing insight and feedback on specific 
questions related to data needs. After each session, the groups will be 
asked to briefly report back the main takeaways from their discussions. 
Agenda topics and format are subject to change.
    The roundtable will be open to observers and press on a first-come, 
first-served basis. Space is limited. Attendees must present valid 
government-issued photo identification upon arrival in order to enter 
the building.
    So that we may plan appropriately to accommodate all interested 
persons, attendees are asked to provide prior notice of their intention 
to attend by sending an email to Giulia McHenry at or 
[email protected], or Jessica Nicholson at [email protected] no 
later than Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 12 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.
    The public meeting is physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. Individuals requiring accommodations, such as sign 
language interpretation or other ancillary aids, are asked to notify 
Giulia McHenry at (202) 482-0061 or [email protected], at least 
five (5) business days before the meeting.
    Please contact Giulia McHenry at (202) 482-0061 or 
[email protected]; Jessica Nicholson at (202) 482-2343 or 
[email protected]; and/or visit NTIA's Web site at www.ntia.doc.gov 
for the most up-to-date meeting agenda and access information.

    Dated: April 20, 2016.
Kathy D. Smith,
Chief Counsel, National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2016-09500 Filed 4-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-60-P