September 25, 2020 Results of 11th Director General-level Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Policy Cooperation Dialogue on the Internet Economy

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and the U.S. Department of State held the 11th Director General-level meetings of the Japan-U.S. Policy Cooperation Dialogue on the Internet Economy in Tokyo on September 17 and 18.
In addition to MIC, the participants from the Japanese government included officials of the Personal Information Protection Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The U.S. participants included the Department of Commerce, the Agency for International Development, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. In this connection, the Japan Economic Organization Federation and the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan participated and submitted a joint statement addressed to the Japanese and U.S. governments. This dialogue consisted of two parts, where the public sector’s meeting and the private sector’s meeting were held over a wide range of topics on the Internet Economy.

1. Main achievements of the 11th Director General-level Meeting

Japan and the United States held the 11th Director General-level Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Policy Cooperation Dialogue on the Internet Economy on September 17 to 18, 2020, where they emphasized a continuous commitment to the open, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet.

1. Summary

The dialogue included the following discussions with private sector representatives from both countries: The promotion of safe, reliable, and robust 5G networks and services, a public-private partnership to support the development of the digital economy in third countries, a public-private partnership to support the responsible management of reliable AI, international cooperation on sharing best practices related to IoT security, the promotion of free data distribution, and the deepening of public trust in AI. The two governments welcomed the proposal presented by representatives of the private sector consisting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and the Japan Business Federation.

2. 5G, B5G, and Cybersecurity

The two countries recognized the importance of promoting cooperation for all countries, including developed and emerging countries, in making sure that each country, business, and citizen can trust in 5G networks, its equipment, software, and service providers to support the development of digital economies, strengthen cybersecurity, and protect privacy, intellectual property, and human rights. The two countries also recognized the importance of trust and the rule of law as principles that underpin a secure ICT supply chain. The two countries emphasized the value of a transparent, open, and interoperable 5G network architecture to support security and vendor diversity. In this regard, the two countries intend to continue working together in the international arena on 5G network security and open and interoperable networks, such as the upcoming Prague 5G Security Conference. Furthermore, the two countries intend to strengthen cooperation in the field of Beyond 5G (6G) technology, including research, development, and international standards. The two countries acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions between Japanese and U.S. experts on open networks, vendor diversity, 5G architecture, and more.

3. Cooperation and AI in the International Arena

Japan and the United States emphasized their continued commitment to close international cooperation to improve the global digital economic policy environment. Their commitment includes cooperation at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), G20, G7, and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive, open, and transparent Internet governance system based on a multi-stakeholder approach. The two countries also reaffirmed their support for the OECD’s recommendations on AI and confirmed that they would continue working on AI through the OECD and GPAI.

4. International and Free Data Distribution

Japan and the United States welcomed the recent entry into force of the Japan-U.S. Digital Trade Agreement. Besides, the two countries confirmed their continued commitment to policy debates to harness the full potential of data and digital economies. The two countries intend to continue working with international partners to promote rules that support the distribution of international data, including personal information. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to work together to increase their participation in the APEC’s Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system. The two countries recognize that the CBPR will be a relevant system that promotes interoperability and builds a useful and internationally acceptable cross-border data distribution framework. The two countries further reaffirmed their commitment to a current review of the implementation of the OECD Privacy Guidelines. The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to a current review of the implementation of the OECD Privacy Guidelines. Moreover, the two countries recognized the importance of further discussions so that the guidelines can address data localization and unlimited government access, which can be new barriers to cross-border data distribution. Japan also emphasized the importance of the concept of Data Free Flow with Trust.

5. Third Country Cooperation

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a vibrant, innovative, and secure global digital economy through the Japan-U.S. Strategic Digital Economy Partnership (JUSDEP) Working Group, which was held twice in 2020 (one of which was held as part of the Internet Economy Policy Dialogue).
Participants endorsed the Free and Open Indo-Pacific and confirmed the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in areas, such as smart cities, network infrastructure, and human resource development.

2. Future Plans

The next Director General-level Meeting is scheduled to be held by the end of 2021.

Contact

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International Policy Division, Global Strategy Bureau, MIC

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