Biarritz Strategy for an Open, Free and Secure Digital Transformation

Analytical Studies
G7 Summits • 2019 Biarritz Summit

Biarritz, France, August 26, 2019
[PDF in English] [PDF en français]

1. We, the Leaders of the G7, Australia, Chile, India and South Africa, meeting in Biarritz on 26 August 2019, together with the Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, have discussed the best strategies to promote an open, free and secure digital transformation, and reiterated our determination to protect it from current challenges.

2. We recognize that the Internet, and related technologies used in the digital transformation, are key enablers of our societies and economic development. It has brought new ways of empowering all individuals and communities, and provided access to an unprecedented body of information and knowledge. However, there are negative effects threatening social cohesion and democratic values. Online abuse, in its various forms, especially targets certain groups, particularly women, minorities and vulnerable users, and restricts the full enjoyment of many human rights.

3. We are committed to the rights to freedom of opinion and expression. We believe access to information from diverse perspectives is essential to democracy. While coming from different legal and political traditions, we appreciate the value of thorough and constructive exchange of views with relevant stakeholders. We were informed by the French Presidency on the progress made on the establishment of an International Partnership for Information and Democracy and on the results of the Global Conference for Media Freedom held in London, on 10-11 July, aimed at mobilizing a consensus behind the protection of journalists.

4. We are determined to work collaboratively to reinforce our democracies against illicit and malign behavior and foreign hostile interference by state and non-state actors. We will continue to bolster our capabilities to address hybrid threats, including in the areas of cybersecurity, strategic communications and counter-intelligence. We take note of the ongoing work of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism.

5. We note the continued momentum provided, inter alia, by the Christchurch Call and the G20 Osaka Leaders' Statement on Preventing Exploitation of the Internet for Terrorism and Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism, as we work with international partners towards our mutual objectives for an open, free and secure internet. We reiterate that positive narratives to counter terrorist propaganda will continue to be an important element of this effort. We were informed about the views regarding an Internet multi-stakeholder charter which aims at realizing the positive effects of the Internet while addressing illegal online content and activity and while respecting our democratic values and the rule of law.

6. We recognize that cross-border flow of data, information, ideas and knowledge generates higher productivity, greater innovation, and improved sustainable development, while it can raise issues related to privacy, data protection, intellectual property rights, and security. Data free flow with trust will harness the opportunities of the digital transformation. In this respect, it is necessary that legal frameworks, both domestic and international, should be respected. We will cooperate to encourage interoperability of different frameworks, and we affirm the role of data for development. We agree on the need to address the threats posed by security vulnerabilities in 5G networks and supply chains.

7. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are bringing about radical transformation of our societies and economies. They can open an unprecedented cycle of innovation and growth. AI can provide innovative solutions to advance progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as significant benefits to help address some of our most pressing challenges. Leaders recognize that AI is transforming societies, the global economy and the future of work and has the potential to improve the welfare and the well-being of people, but may have disparate effects regarding the economy and privacy and data protection, and implications for democracy.

8. We recognize the Italian and Canadian presidencies' work on the future of artificial intelligence. We acknowledge the need to support and guide the responsible development of AI, that is grounded in human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation and economic growth. We will continue to explore ways to advance our work on AI to understand and share, on a regular basis, multidisciplinary research results on artificial intelligence issues and best practices, as well as bringing together international artificial intelligence initiatives. We acknowledge in that regard the Global Partnership on AI, an initiative proposed by Canada and France, as well as other related initiatives. We welcome the willingness of the OECD to support our work to advance AI, in line with its Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence adopted in May 2019.

Source: Official website of the French G7 Presidency

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