Digital Commerce

Overview

The course consists of 5 modules:

• Placing digital commerce in the context of the digital economy. We present some definitions of the digital economy, showcasing the types of economic activities that are encompassed therein. In doing so, we unpack the meaning of frequently used expressions such as ‘digital transformation’, ‘4th industrial revolution’, and ‘data economy’. We discuss two business models which are part of the digital economy: the digitisation of trade and the business model of ‘free’ online platforms based on ‘ad tech’. We analyse emerging trends in digital commerce, such as the proliferation of regional trade agreements, and we discuss how the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has affected the digital economy, and digital commerce in particular.
• Digital commerce discussions at the World Trade Organization. The WTO plays an important role in facilitating diplomatic talks about digital commerce within the framework of the multilateral trading system. We summarise the evolution of WTO discussions on digital commerce, including discussions leading up to the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2021. We also analyse the Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce and its ongoing negotiations on digital trade-related aspects among a group of WTO members.
• Openness and digital commerce. We focus on cross-border data flows and localisation, which are core issues for the growth of the digital economy. The technical knowledge necessary to grasp the implications of policy proposals on these issues will be provided: we zoom in to understand how packets of data flow through the digital ‘pipes’ and arrive at their destination, and what localisation policies mean from technical and policy angles. We analyse provisions on data flows which are present in some key regional trade agreements. The module also covers proposals on the topic ‘open internet access’ - also known as network neutrality - which have important implications to competition and access to information online. 
• Facilitating digital commerce and promoting business trust. We discuss the role of electronic authentication and signatures to international trade. Existing initiatives to provide harmonisation are highlighted, and proposals under negotiation in these areas are analysed. With regards to enhancing business trust, our focus is on provisions aiming at limiting requests to access or transfer the source code of computer programs. Most digital services and an increasing number of digital and non-digital products are enabled by computer programs, therefore provisions on access to the source code would have consequences in several policy areas.
• Consumer trust in digital commerce. We tackle the interplay between digital governance and trade policy by providing an overview of the inclusion of digital regulatory aspects in trade negotiations. We will focus on how regional trade agreements and ongoing negotiations at the WTO are aiming at enhancing consumer trust by tackling specific issues, such as consumer protection, privacy, and cybersecurity.

The course addressed a wide gamut of issues including data localisation, net neutrality, and cybersecurity, all topics which are of great importance as the world evolves into the fast-paced and technology-driven Fourth Industrial Revolution. The lecturers were very knowledgeable, and the rich exchanges among participants from diverse technical and professional backgrounds made this course a wonderful learning experience.

– Mr Rashaun Watson, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva