Drawing primarily upon members of the Commission on the Digital Economy, the task forces include business entities from 50 developed and developing countries. Each Task Force fits within the overall Commission on the Digital Economy strategy by developing and advocating global cross-sector business policy positions and recommendations to governmental and intergovernmental bodies, specific to their areas of interest. They further produce practical tools and guidance for businesses on Internet and ICT-related issues.

Internet and Telecommunications Task Force

The objective of the Task Force on Internet and Telecommunications is to articulate business interests in international and regional policy initiatives related to the Internet and communications telecoms sector.

Developments with Internet-based solutions and the convergence of platforms and services present new policy and regulatory challenges. Business interests need to be communicated to ensure informed policy decisions are made and that regulatory agendas properly take into account the specific needs of business users.

The Task Force on Internet and Telecommunications ensures full, fair and sustainable competition in the telecommunications and Internet ecosystems, with the aim of bringing global benefits to all customers, users and providers of communications services. It advocates that communications services are lightly regulated and that government authorities develop ICT policies through competitive market forces instead of through regulation. It also ensures that the mandated cooperation of communication service providers with law enforcement is proportionate and reasonable, consistent with technical and business capabilities, reflective of customer confidence needs, as well as supportive of communication service provider competition.

The Internet and Telecommunications Task Force is currently chaired by Eric H. Loeb (AT&T Services Inc., USA).

Click here for the Task Force on the Internet and Telecommunications' page.

View all documents of the Task Force on the Internet and Telecommunications.

Privacy and Personal Data Protection Task Force

The objective of the Task Force on Privacy and Personal Data Protection is to keep members up to date on data protection developments that affect their businesses in areas such as international data transfer, RFID, whistleblower hotlines, and human resources data. It works to streamline processes and save companies money by developing standardized, practical tools.

A central area of focus is the standardization of rules on data transfer, since serving global customers means businesses are being constantly challenged by the need to move information across locations and networks in an increasingly secure and rapid manner.

The Task Force on Privacy and Personal Data Protection is currently co-chaired by Christopher Kuner (Senior Of Consel, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, LLP) and David Hoffman (Security Policy and Global Privacy Officer, Intel Corporation).

Click here for the Task Force on Privacy and Personal Data Protection's page.

View all documents of the Task Force on Privacy & Personal Data Protection.

Security and Authentication Task Force

The objective of the Task Force on Security and Authentication is to articulate business interests in international and regional policy initiatives related to security and authentication. It does so by providing input into regulatory initiatives and producing practical tools to help companies better implement IT security in their operations.

The Task Force has two main tasks. The first is to improve network and information security for businesses and other users, by raising awareness and providing practical tools that help make security a higher priority for all users. The second is to ensure that legislation and policy related to information security, electronic signatures, and authentication are aligned with business needs.

The Task Force on Security and Authentication is co-chaired by Christiaan van der Valk (TrustWeaver, Sweden) and Jacques Beglinger (SwissHoldings, Federation of Industrial and Service Groups in Switzerland).