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techUK is raising concerns that the European Commission does not intend to propose legislation to tackle restrictive data localisation requirements.

techUK has joined leading European digital startups, scaleups and SMEs from across Europe in an open letter raising concerns that the European Commission does not intend to propose legislation to tackle restrictive data localisation requirements.

The letter signed by Antony Walker of techUK and digital business leaders from across Europe – from Italy, Spain, Belgium, the UK and Estonia - urges the European Commission Vice President Ansip and Commissioner Oettinger to remain resolute and move forward to remove existing inappropriate and misplaced data localisation requirements  given the economic impact on data-driven startups. As the letter states: “These aspiring European companies urge the Commission to stay on track and deliver a robust regulation that enshrines the principle of the free flow of data across Europe and supports the creation of an inclusive data-driven economy and society as well as a functioning Digital Single Market. ”

>>> Check out techUK’s narrative on the importance of the Free Flow of Data Initiative

As the Commission’s own Free Flow of Data Initiative impact assessment noted the removal of data localisation restrictions would add an estimated 8 billion Euros per year to the European economy. This is not just an issue that impacts the startups but all sectors of the European economy that stand to gain from Europe’s transformation to a data-driven economy.

The letter, which can be found below, therefore calls on the Commission to be brave and move forward with a regulation to enshrine the free flow of data and remove unjustified data localisation restrictions and unlock the full economic and societal power of data.

techUK is proud to join with European digitals startup, scaleups and SMEs from across Europe on this vital issue which is fundamental to the creation of a Digital Single Market that drives growth and creates opportunity.

>>> Check out the summary of our latest delegation on keeping Europe’s data flowing freely and why copyright proposals need to be reviewed