A Communique on the G-20 Digital Economy Ministerial

The G20 (Group of 20) is a forum for representatives of governments of 20 major economies to consider and address issues of common interest impacting the citizens of these economies. As the president of the G20, Germany initiated a work stream focused on the digital economy. Over the past four months, representatives of the G20 countries have been examining policies and practices that will further the growth, development and deployment of digital economy technologies. These policies and practices cover all aspects of the digital economy, from connecting to the internet, to the use of international standards, to strengthening user confidence in digital technologies, to policies that allow U.S.-headquartered companies to compete around the world.

Recognizing the importance of these factors, the United States signed the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Declaration. The Declaration recognizes and reiterates many fundamental principles that have made the internet possible and have improved the quality of our lives. By committing with our G20 partners to the free flow of information across national borders, to the protection of intellectual property, to the use of industry-led international standards, and to fair competition, we will ensure that the full potential of the digital economy can be realized, and that our citizens will reap its benefits. The United States government will continue to work with Germany, other G20 partners and all other interested countries to strengthen these fundamental principles, while fighting against efforts to weaken them or create barriers that impede U.S. companies from accessing and competing in foreign markets.