Conference Invitation

Data Import and Export Control: The (Future) Regulation of Global Data Flows

The regulation of global data flows has emerged as a critical issue at the intersection of international trade, security policy, and technological innovation. Data constitutes not only a vital economic resource but also a key strategic asset. Increasingly viewed through the lenses of systemic rivalry, national security, and digital sovereignty, the traditional paradigm of the free flow of data is being reconsidered worldwide.

Democratic societies must strike a careful balance: safeguarding open digital markets while ensuring the protection of sensitive information and maintaining strategic autonomy. Against this backdrop, we invite you to our hybrid conference that convenes leading experts from government, industry, and academia to address:

• Recent developments in international and national data transfer regulations;
• Economic, legal, and security-related risks associated with outbound data flows;
• Potential frameworks for a future European external data trade regime;
• Comparative perspectives from the United States, Asia, and other key jurisdictions;
• The broader geopolitical implications of data governance strategies.

The conference will provide a platform for in-depth analysis and interdisciplinary dialogue on how to design robust, future-oriented policies that preserve competitiveness and security without unduly restricting digital trade. We look forward to welcoming you to Bonn or online. Online registration is open.

This conference is organized by the Institute of Media and Information Law (Dept. I: Private Law) and the Research Centre for Legal Issues of New Technologies and Data Law (ForTech) e.V.