OECD News

OECD Announces Artificial Intelligence Principles

May 22, 2019

Today the OECD announced the OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence, the first international standard for AI, with the backing of 42 countries. The OECD AI principles make central "the rule of law, human rights and democratic values" and set out requirements for fairness, accountability and transparency. OECD Secretary-General Gurría said the OECD AI principles "place the interests of people at its heart." Gurría also quoted Alan Turing, who once said, "We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done." Civil society groups, working through the CSISAC played a key role in the development of the OECD AI Principles as did the EPIC Public Voice project. Earlier this year, EPIC President Marc Rotenberg commended the US administration for backing the OECD process, but also wrote in the New York Times that there is much more to be done. "The United States must work with other democratic countries to establish red lines for certain AI applications and ensue fairness, accountability, and transparency as AI systems are deployed."

AI Artificial Intelligence OECD Announces AI Principles

May 22, 2019

Today the OECD announced the OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence, the first international standard for AI, with the backing of 42 countries. The OECD AI principles make central "the rule of law, human rights and democratic values" and set out requirements for fairness, accountability and transparency. OECD Secretary-General Gurría said the OECD AI principles "place the interests of people at its heart." Gurría also quoted Alan Turing, who once said, "We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done." Civil society groups, working through the CSISAC played a key role in the development of the OECD AI Principles as did the EPIC Public Voice project. Earlier this year, EPIC President Marc Rotenberg commended the US administration for backing the OECD process, but also wrote in the New York Times that there is much more to be done. "The United States must work with other democratic countries to establish red lines for certain AI applications and ensue fairness, accountability, and transparency as AI systems are deployed."

OECD CDEP preparing review of the Security Guidelines

January 6, 2014

In December 2013, the OECD Committee on Digital Economy Policy (CDEP, formerly ICCP) agreed to revise the 2002 Recommendation of the Council concerning Guidelines for the Security of Information Systems and Networks: Towards a Culture of Security (Security Guidelines).

OECD Release Policy Guidance on Mobile and Online Payments

June 13, 2014

The OECD Committee on Consumer Policy has issued "Policy Guidance on Mobile and Online Payments" to boost consumer protection and to promote policy efforts to strengthen consumer protection while spurring innovation. The guidance addresses several key issues in the emerging mobile and online payment area, including the need to establish minimum levels of consumer protection across payment mechanisms, enhanced privacy and child protection, and standards for transparent and accessible information disclosures.

OECD Releases Report on Consumers

February 5, 2013

The OECD has released a new report "Empowering and Protecting Consumers in the Internet Economy." The report is follows the 2008 Seoul Ministerial Declaration for the Future of the Internet Economy. The report finds that mobile devices, easy-to-use payment mechanisms, and product reviews have further provided consumers with a more convenient e-commerce experience. Trust in e-commerce, however, remains challenged by several problems, including complex information disclosures, legislative gaps, fraudulent and misleading practices and privacy threats as well as inadequate redress mechanisms.

OECD Release Paper on Cybersecurity

November 12, 2012

The OECD has release a new report "Cybersecurity Policy Making at a Turning Point Analysing a New Generation of National Cybersecurity Strategies for the Internet Economy." The report analyses the latest generation of "national cybersecurity strategies" in ten OECD countries and identifies commonalities and differences. The analysis reveals that cybersecurity policy making has become a national policy priority and relies on holistic strategies supported by stronger leadership which aims to drive economic and social prosperity and protect cyberspace-reliant societies against cyber-threats.

CSISAC Welcomes OECD Recommendation on Principles for Internet Policy Making

December 18, 2011

In a press release published on 19 December 2011, the CSISAC welcomes the Recommendation on Principles for Internet Policy Making adoped by the OECD Council on 13 December 2011, which reaffirms OECD commitment to a free, open and inclusive Internet.

Most critically, this Recommendation envisions a collaborative decision-making process that is inclusive of civil society issues and concerns, such as those expressed by CSISAC when it declined to support a previous Communique resulting from the OECD High Level Meeting of June 2011.

CSISAC looks forward to working with the OECD in order to develop the Principles itemized in the December Recommendation in greater detail and in a manner that promotes openness, is grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law, and strengthens the capacity to improve the quality of life for all citizens.


CSISAC Declines to Support OECD Principles on Internet Policy-Making

June 28, 2011

The CISASAC has declined to support an OECD Communique, stating that it could undermine "online freedom of expression, freedom of information, the right to privacy, and innovation across the world." CSISAC Press Release. CSISAC Statement. The OECD Communique was released at an OECD High Level Meeting in Paris - "The Internet Economy: Generating Innovation and Growth." Statement of Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union. Statement of European Digital Rights. Internet Governance Project Statement. Public Knowledge Statement. EFF Statements [1] [2]. CIPPIC Statement and Press Release. RSF Statement supporting CSISAC's decision. APC Statement. Digitale Gesellschaft (German NGO) Statement in support of CSISAC's decision. La Quadrature du Net Statement in support of CSISAC's decision [1] and [2].

OECD Acknowledges Privacy Award to Michael Kirby

July 1, 2010

The June 2010 OECD Civil Society Newsletter notes that former Australian Justice Michael Kirby received the 2010 Champion of Freedom Award from the Electronic Privacy Information Centre (EPIC).  Kirby was recognised for his leading role in the development of the 1980 OECD Privacy Guidelines. This year the OECD is marking the 30th anniversary of the Guidelines with a series of events.

New Report from the OECD on Internet Intermediaries

July 1, 2010

Now available from the OECD is the report "The Economic a and Social Role of Internet Intermediaries." The report builds on the OECD Declaration for the Future of the Internet Economy. The goal of the report is to "develop a common definition and understanding of what Internet intermediaries are, of their economic function and economic models, of recent market development, and to discuss the economic and social uses that these actors satisfy." CSISAC has provided extensive comments on this report and on the concept of "best practices".

OECD Meetings in June: Working party on Communications Infrastructure and Services Policy, Internet Intermediaries Workshop, and Working party on the Information Economy. June 14-18

July 1, 2010

Two of the Information, Communications, and Computer Policy committees of the OECD held meetings during the week of June 14-18, the Communications Infrastructure and Services Policy Working Party (WPCISP) and the Working Party on the Internet Economy (WPIE). There was also an all day workshop on the Role of Internet Intermediaries, to discuss the role that Internet intermediaries play in achieving the policy goals identified at the Seoul OECD Ministerial Conference in 2008.

CSISAC participated in all three events, and will report on the pubic aspects of these events. At the WPCISP, CSISAC Liaison Stephanie Perrin and Public Knowledge's John Bergmayer are attending. At the Internet Intermediaries Workshop, Gwen Hinz of Electronic Frontier Foundation, Anna Fielder of Privacy International, Marzena Lipman of Consumer Focus and Eric Goldman of the University of Santa Clara presented civil society perspectives on various panels. Milton Mueller of Syracuse and Delft Universities and David Banisar of Article 19 also participated.

CSISAC has provided comments on a detailed paper on the Role of Internet Intermediaries, which has yet to be publicly released. Civil society's concerns are focused on the delegation of social policies and enforcement to third party actors without respect for due process, accountability, transparency, and the human rights of Internet users. CSISAC is preparing a detailed paper on the issues, and would be pleased to welcome civil society contributions to this effort. Please contact liaison@csisac.org if you have an interest in the topic.

Several papers from the working party on Communications Infrastructure and Services Policy are expected to be derestricted in September, and CSISAC continues to provide input on this work. Centred on aspects of competition and integration, the impact of bundling of internet services, and the issues surrounding mobile roaming, these papers impact various aspects of the core CSISAC policy focus areas:

  • Privacy and the non-transparent use of customer information
  • Consumer protection, particularly in matters of service costs and the lack of transparency in service costs, including taxes, which in turn makes free choice of service alternatives virtually impossible
  • Security and autonomy with respect to information, and intellectual property

On June 17-18, the Working Party on the Internet Economy discussed, among other issues, the focus on information and communications technologies to foster the "green" agenda. Once again, this focus is of great interest to civil society members across the spectrum of concern. Whilst members welcome ICTS to address energy conservation, resource management and efficient public transportation, this cannot be at the expense of individual autonomy and personal privacy. There is great promise for the return to user control in intelligent buildings and smart networks, but only if these options are built in. It is therefore vital to engage in this discussion, and civil society is solicited to participate in upcoming CSISAC policy briefs on the topics.

OECD Information, Computer and Communications Policy: First Round Meeting

February 23, 2010

The 28th meeting of the Working Party on Information Security and Privacy (WPISP) will be held on 8-9 March, 2010. The meeting will address several important issues of interest to CSISAC members such as identity management, the protection of children online, the 30th Anniversary of the OECD privacy guidelines. The 59th meeting of the Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy meeting (ICCP) will be held on March 10-11, 2010. Topics to be discussed are ICT & green growth, ICT & innovation, internet intermediaries: policy implications, among other topics.

Marc Rotenberg, Anna Fielder, CSISAC Steering Committee Members, and Katitza Rodriguez, CSISAC Liaison will attend the meeting.

30th Anniversary of the OECD Privacy Guidelines

February 1, 2010

The year 2010 marks the 30th Anniversary of the OECD Privacy Guidelines. The Guidelines consist of eight principles that have provided the basis for national laws, international agreements, and privacy frameworks that have been adopted around the world. In the Civil Society Seoul Declaration, CSISAC reaffirmed "its support for the OECD Privacy Guidelines as a fundamental policy instrument setting out minimal requirements for the transborder flow of personal data."

To commemorate the anniversary, OECD has planned several events for 2010:

  • March 10: OECD Roundtable on the impact of the Privacy Guidelines, Paris, France;
  • October 25-26: Privacy, Technology and Global Data Flows, Jerusalem, Israel. The event will be hosted by the Israeli Law, Information and Technology Authority, and held together with the 32nd International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners Meeting.
  • December 1: The theme will focus on the economics and human rights dimension of Privacy, Paris, France.

On January 28, International Privacy Day, CSISAC Steering Committee Member EPIC presented the 2010 International Privacy Champion Award to the Honorable Michael Kirby for his role in the development of the OECD Privacy Guidelines. For more information: OECD: The 30th Anniversary of the OECD Privacy Guidelines.

OECD: International Mobile Roaming Charges

January 30, 2010

The OECD has released the report "International Mobile Roaming Charging in the OECD Area" that provides information and analysis on market developments and pricing in international mobile roaming services. "While the wireless industry has witnessed spectacular developments in recent years, and is considered competitive in domestic markets, there is a widespread perception among many stakeholders, including some within the industry itself, that international mobile roaming services prices are unreasonably and inefficiently high," the OECD noted. The report provides comparative information on international mobile roaming service retail prices as well as other information. For more information: OECD: Telecommunications and Internet Policy.

OECD: Smart Sensor Networks

January 31, 2010

The OECD Secretariat has released the report "Smart Sensor Networks: Technologies and Applications for Green Growth." The report gives an overview of sensor technology and fields of application of sensors and sensor networks. It discusses in detail selected fields of application that have high potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reviews studies quantifying the environmental impact. For more information: OECD: ICTs, the Environment and Climate Change.

OECD Committee Meetings in 2010

January 7, 2010

The OECD Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy (ICCP) has released its preliminary calendar for 2010.

  • The 28th meeting of the Working Party on Information Security and Privacy (WPISP) will be held on 8-9 March, 2010.
  • The 59th meeting of the Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy meeting ((ICCP) will be held on March 10-11, 2010.
  • The 43th Meeting of the Working Party on Communication Infrastructures and Services Policy (WPCISP) will be held on 14-15 June, 2010.
  • The 60th Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy (ICCP) will be held on September 29 to October 1, 2010.
  • The 29th meeting of the Working Party on Information Security and Privacy (WPISP) will be held on December 2-3, 2010.

Chile to become the second OECD member in Latin America

December 21, 2009

OECD invited Chile to become its second member in Latin America after Mexico. Chile will formally accept this invitation when an Accession Agreement is signed on January 11, 2010 in Santiago, Chile.

In another related topic, OECD appointed Martine Durand as the new Chief Statistician. Ms. Durand will lead the OECD's work in developing statistics and indicators to promote evidence-based decision-making. She joined the OECD in 1983 and has been Deputy-Director of the Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs since 2002.

Meeting without travelling: ICTs for climate change

December 15, 2009

The OECD held a "virtual" side-event on the role of ICTs for climate change at COP15 (the UN Climate Change talks in Copenhagen, 7-18 December 2009). The discussion centred on the important role that ICTs have in tackling climate change and responding to environmental challenges. On the following links you will find news from the website of the OECD.

Information Economy, Communication Infrastructures and Service Policy

December 12, 2009

On December 14-17, the OECD Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy will host its Annual Working Party meetings on Information Economy (WPIE) and Communication Infrastructures and Services Policy (WPCISP).

The WPIE undertakes analysis of the digital delivery of content. Specifically, "OECD work includes stocktaking studies in the following areas: scientific publishing, music, on-line computer games, mobile content, user-created content, digital content and the evolution of the film and video industries and public sector information and content." To learn more about the OECD - WPIE work, please go to OECD's website.

Anthony Vetter, CSISAC Steering Committee Member, and Katitza Rodriguez, CSISAC Liaison will attend both meeting.

OECD - ICCP Committee meets in Paris

October 7, 2009

The Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will host a series of meeting from October 12-16, 2009 in Paris, France.

The 27th Meeting of the Working Party on Information Security and Privacy (WPISP) will be held in October 12-13. From Emerging Privacy issues to portability, competition, and innovation, the ICCP Technology Foresight Forum on Cloud Computing will be held on October 15. A briefing Paper on Cloud Computing and Public Policy prepared for the Forum has been released.

The 58th session of the Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy will be held at the OECD Headquarters in October 15-16, 2009.

The Civil Society Information Society Advisory Council will be represented by Gus Hosein from Privacy International, Gwen Hinze, International Policy Director Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and member of CSISAC Steering Committee, and Katitza Rodriguez, CSISAC Liaison, and International Privacy Director Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC).

New OECD book on Piracy of Digital Content

July 29, 2009

The OECD has released a new book "Piracy of Digital Content", that examines the "infringement of copyrighted content (such as music, films, software, broadcasting, books, etc.) where the end product does not involve the use of hard media, such as CDs and DVDs."

All the information about the book is available at OECD: Online Bookshop.

See also: OECD book "The Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Piracy"

Working Party on Communication Infrastructures and Services Policy:

May 7, 2009

The 41st Meeting of the Working Party on Communication Infrastructures and Services Policy of the Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy will be held held on 15-16 June 2009 in Paris.

New OECD Book on Promoting Consumer Education: Trends, Policies and Good Practices

May 6, 2009

OECD logo The OECD has published a new book that examines the approaches that governments use to promote consumer education in OECD and some non-OECD countries, highlighting the policies and measures that have been particularly effective. The book also analyzes recent trends, the role of stakeholders, steps being taken to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs, and the principal challenges.

You could browse (and read) the book online for free at here. All the information about the book is available at OECD website.

Working Party on Information Security & Privacy: Second Annual Meeting

March 26, 2009

OECD logoThe second annual meeting of the OECD Working Party on Information Security and Privacy (WPISP) will be held in Paris on October 12-13, 2009, right before the Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy.

Next OECD-ICCP Meeting to be held in October 2009

March 26, 2009

OECD logoThe second Annual Meeting of the Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy (ICCP) meeting will be held on October 14-16, 2009 in Paris, right after the OECD Working Party on Information Security and Privacy (WPISP).

OECD Council´s Decision Adds Civil Society in the OECD-ICCP´s Terms of Reference

February 21, 2009

OECD logo During the 1187th OECD Council Session held on January 15, 2009, the Council extended the Terms of Reference of the Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy (OECD-ICCP) regarding the participation of non-governmental stakeholders.

The decision adds Civil Society and the Internet Technical Community to the list of key non-governmental stakeholders in the ICCP's terms of reference, joining business and trade-unions.

The Resolution which is availalbe at OECD´s website stated:

"In the conduct of its work, the Committee will also, as appropriate, draw on the views and expertise of non-Members, international organizations and non-governmental stakeholders, and work with business, trade unions, civil society, and the Internet technical community within a framework of co-operation that promotes mutual understanding and participation".

The Resolution also added:

"The mandate of the Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy shall remain in force until 31 December 2013, unless the Council decides otherwise".

References:

  • Resolution of the Council concerning the Terms of Reference of the Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy (specially the Mandate extended by Council during its 1187th session on 15 January 2009 [C(2008)209 and C/M(2009)1, Item 5]

ICTs, the Environment and Climate Change (updated 06/03/2009)

June 3, 2009

OECD logo

On 27-28 May 2009 the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation hold an OECD Conference on how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can improve environmental performance and mitigate climate change in all sectors of the economy. The outcomes will be particularly relevant in the context of the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held on 7-18 December 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark (COP15).

This high-level conference follows up on an OECD workshop in Copenhagen in May 2008 and the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Internet Economy in Seoul in June 2008.

The conference gather civil society groups like Consumer Focus UK, Consumers International, Greenpeace, Conservation International, Global Connectivity, International Institute for Sustainable Development (Canada), and Association for Progressive Communications . The draft program is online. All the information about the event is here: http://www.green-ict.dk.

Contact:

For more information about civil society participation in this event, please contact katitza (at) epic (dot) org no later than Friday March 27, 2009

OECD News: Next ICCP Meeting will be held in March 2009

February 3, 2009

OECD logo The next OECD-ICCP meeting (Committee for Information, Computer and Communications Policy) will be held in March 11-13, 2009 in Paris, right after the OECD Working Party on Information Security and Privacy (WPISP).

OECD Website: Innovation Strategy

January 29, 2009

OECD logoThe new OECD website on Innovation Strategy will discuss how innovation works in a global market for science and technology. Their goal is to help policy makers improve framework conditions.

OECD Event: ICT & Innovation

January 29, 2009

OECD logoOn December 11, 2008, OECD-BIAC organized a workshop on ICT and Innovation in Paris, France. The workshop was designed as an input to the OECD Innovation Strategy. The meeting focused on the ICT sector itself and innovation ICT applications across sectors, current economic challenges and supporting policy.

OECD Event: Internet Governance Forum, Hyderabad

January 29, 2009

OECD logoIn December 2008. the OECD participated in the third Internet Governance Forum which took place in Hyderabad, India. This included organizing an Open Forum on the Outcomes of the Seoul Ministerial Chaired by Ambassador David Gross, Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, United States. Panelists for this event included Peter Voss, Head of Division, International Policy for Information & Communication Technologies, Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Germany; Tom Walker, Director Europe and International, BERR, United Kingdom; Gulshan Rai, Director at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, India; Joseph H. Alhadeff, Vice President for Global Public Policy and Chief Privacy Officer, Oracle Corporation , Chair of BIAC's Information, Computer and Communication (ICCP) Committee, Vice Chair of ICC's Commission on E-Business, IT and Telecoms; Katitza Rodríguez Pereda, Public Voice Coordinator; Bill Graham, Strategic Global Engagement, Office of the President, Internet Society (ISOC) and Marcus Courtney, Head of Department, UNI Telecom Global Union.

OECD Event: Sensor-Based Environments

January 29, 2009

OECD logoOn June 8-9, 2009, OECD is organizing a conference on Sensor-Based Environments, Lisbon, Portugal. The objective of the event is to bring together policy makers, researchers, business and civil society to better understand  how sensor-based and ubiquitous computing technologies can help address some of the most important global challenges (e.g. health and aging, transportation, environment, security and defense) and what policy makers can do to stimulate innovation in this area. This conference will follow up on previous OECD work on RFID.

Civil Society Members of CSISAC who are interested to follow this discussion, please, contact katitza (at) epic (dot) org. Any other inquires, please, send it directly to OECD.

OECD Event: Protection of Children Online

January 29, 2009

OECD logoOn April 15, 2009, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum and the OECD is organizing a symposium on the Protection of Children Online in Singapore to foster an exchange of best practices to promote a safer Internet  environment for children.

OECD Event: ICTs, Environment and Climate Change

January 29, 2009

OECD logoOn May 27-28, 2009, the OECD and the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation will hold a conference on “ICTs, the environment and climate change”.

OECD Event: Securing Personal Data in the Global Economy

January 29, 2009

OECD logoOn March 16-17, 2009, the OECD, in conjunction with APEC and the Federal Trade Commission, will host a two-day international conference: “Securing Personal Data in the Global Economy" in Washington DC. A live webcast will be available on the day of the event.

OECD Event: Measuring Mobile & Wireless Service Data

January 29, 2009

OECD logoOn February 19-20, 2009, ANACOM will host an OECD Expert Workshop on Measuring Mobile & Wireless Service Data in Lisbon, Portugal.

OECD Publication: Information Technology Outlook 2008

January 29, 2009

OECD logoOECD published the 2008 edition of the OECD Information Technology Outlook analyzes recent developments in the IT goods and services industries.

OECD Report: Digital Rights Managements Disclosure

January 29, 2009

OECD logoPrepared by the OECD Committee on Consumer Policy (CCP), this report analyzes the disclosure issues raised by the use of digital rights management (DRM) and copy control technologies (CCTs) to protect intellectual property rights. More specifically, it examines the kinds of restrictions that are commonly placed on access or use of protected material (for example, restrictions on making back-ups or private copies) and the disclosures provided to inform consumers about these restrictions.

OECD Project: Counterfeiting and Piracy

January 29, 2009

OECD logoOECD is working on a project that covers the infringements of the intellectual property rights that are described and defined in the WTO Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

OECD Ministerial: The OECD Seoul Declaration

January 1, 2009

OECD logoWith the slogan "Shaping Policies for Creativity, Confidence and Convergence in the Digital World", the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) held the 2008 Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy in Seoul, South Korea on June 17 and 18. In all, close to 2,200 participants from 68 economies attended the Meeting, which was webcast.

All the materials are placed online