OECD Reports

The CSISAC Invites Civil Society participants to engage in the OECD work on Blockchain

September 20, 2019

The CSISAC calls for expressions of interest of Civil Society participants to take part in the OECD work on blockchain. Consistently with the CSISAC recommendations, the OECD is taking part in the global policy making process around blockchain. Blockchain based technologies are expected to have a profound social, economic and political impact. The CSISAC is taking part in the OECD work on blockchain to contribute with a civil society perspective consistent with the Civil Society Principles adopted in the 2008 OECD Seoul Ministerial Meeting.

In addition to the Blockchain Policy Forum, civil society experts are needed to engage in the OECD policy guidance and working groups, such as the Blockchain Pillar of the Going Digital Phase II reports, the Blockchain Advisory Board, and the Blockchain Policy Centre. You can learn more about the OECD work on this topic in the site of Blockchain Policy Forum latest edition.

About CSISAC

The CSISAC is the voice of civil society at the OECD Committee on the Digital Economy Policy. We facilitate the exchange of information between the OECD and civil society participants, leading to better-informed and more widely accepted policy frameworks. The formal recognition of this Advisory Committee by the OECD was the result of an effort initiated in the 1990s decade to promote participation parity in the global policy-making. Today, the CSISAC is the main venue to channel the participation of civil society in the OECD work on the digital economy. To learn more about the CSISAC and how to engage in the OECD work, please feel free to contact the CSISAC Liaison at liaison@csisac.org

Call for Civil Society to Contribute to the Review of the OECD Childrens Online Recommendation

September 3, 2019

The CSISAC calls for expressions of interest from Civil Society participants to take part in the second consultation of the expert group on the review of the OECD Recommendation on the Protection of Children Online.

While the Internet can bring considerable benefits to children's education and development, it also exposes them to online risks such as access to inappropriate content, abusive interaction with others, exposure to aggressive marketing practices and privacy risks. The OECD has undertaken considerable work on the protection of children as users of the Internet. The CSISAC is taking part in the OECD work on children online contributing with a civil society perspective consistent with the Civil Society Principles adopted in the 2008 OECD Seoul Ministerial Meeting. You can learn more about the work of the OECD on this topic at the Protecting children online website.


About CSISAC

The CSISAC is the voice of civil society at the OECD Committee on the Digital Economy Policy. We facilitate the exchange of information between the OECD and civil society participants, leading to better-informed and more widely accepted policy frameworks. The formal recognition of this Advisory Committee by the OECD was the result of an effort initiated in the 1990s decade to promote participation parity in the global policy-making. Today, the CSISAC is the main venue to channel the participation of civil society in the OECD work on the digital economy. To learn more about the CSISAC and how to engage in the OECD work, please feel free to contact the CSISAC Liaison at liaison@csisac.org

Forty-two countries adopt new OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence

July 24, 2019

OECD and partner countries formally adopted the first set of intergovernmental policy guidelines on Artificial Intelligence (AI) today, agreeing to uphold international standards that aim to ensure AI systems are designed to be robust, safe, fair and trustworthy.

The OECD's 36 member countries, along with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Romania, signed up to the OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence at the Organisation's annual Ministerial Council Meeting, taking place today and tomorrow in Paris and focused this year on "Harnessing the Digital Transition for Sustainable Development". Elaborated with guidance from an expert group formed by more than 50 members from governments, academia, business, civil society, international bodies, the tech community and trade unions, the Principles comprise five values-based principles for the responsible deployment of trustworthy AI and five recommendations for public policy and international co-operation. They aim to guide governments, organisations and individuals in designing and running AI systems in a way that puts people's best interests first and ensuring that designers and operators are held accountable for their proper functioning.

"Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising the way we live and work, and offering extraordinary benefits for our societies and economies. Yet, it raises new challenges and is also fuelling anxieties and ethical concerns. This puts the onus on governments to ensure that AI systems are designed in a way that respects our values and laws, so people can trust that their safety and privacy will be paramount," said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría. "These Principles will be a global reference point for trustworthy AI so that we can harness its opportunities in a way that delivers the best outcomes for all."

The AI Principles have the backing of the European Commission, whose high-level expert group has produced Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI, and they will be part of the discussion at the forthcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in Japan. The OECD's digital policy experts will build on the Principles in the months ahead to produce practical guidance for implementing them.

While not legally binding, existing OECD Principles in other policy areas have proved highly influential in setting international standards and helping governments to design national legislation. For example, the OECD Privacy Guidelines, which set limits to the collection and use of personal data, underlie many privacy laws and frameworks in the United States, Europe and Asia. The G20-endorsed OECD Principles of Corporate Governance have become an international benchmark for policy makers, investors, companies and other stakeholders working on institutional and regulatory frameworks for corporate governance. For more information, please visit the OECD announcement.

OECD Releases 2019 Skills Outlook

May 10, 2019

Economies and societies are undergoing digital transformations that bring both opportunities and challenges and countries' preparedness to seize the benefits of a digital world is largely dependent on the skills of their population. This edition of the OECD Skills Outlook 2019 aims to understand how policies, and in particular those that affect skills development and use, can shape the outcomes of digital transformation and translate into more equally shared benefits among and within countries' populations. Ensuring people can benefit from new technologies and are not left behind requires a comprehensive and co-ordinated policy effort. This package of co-ordinated policies needs to simultaneously promote digitalisation where the latter increases productivity and well-being, and otherwise cushion its negative impacts.

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 Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016

January 15, 2017

The fully revamped and re-titled OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook is a biennial publication that aims to inform policy makers and analysts on recent and future changes in global science, technology and innovation (STI) patterns and their potential implications on and for national and international STI policies. Based on the most recent data available, the report provides comparative analysis of new policies and instruments being used in OECD countries and a number of major emerging economies (including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and South Africa) to boost the contribution of science and innovation to growth and to global and social challenges. In this edition, detailed country and policy profiles are available on line.

OECD Science, Technology and Industry Scoreboard

December 13, 2017

With some 200 indicators drawing on the latest internationally comparable data, the 2017 edition of the OECD Science, Technology and Industry (STI) Scoreboard shows how the digital transformation affects science, innovation, the economy, and the way people work and live. It aims to help governments design more effective science, innovation and industry policies in the fast-changing digital era.

The STI Scoreboard is published every other year, alternately with the OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook

OECD Digital Economy Outlook 2017

December 13, 2017

The biennial OECD Digital Economy Outlook examines and documents evolutions and emerging opportunities and challenges in the digital economy. It highlights how OECD countries and partner economies are taking advantage of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the Internet to meet their public policy objectives. Through comparative evidence, it informs policy makers of regulatory practices and policy options to help maximise the potential of the digital economy as a driver for innovation and inclusive growth.

OECD Report: Bridging the Rural Divide

March 4, 2018

The OECD has released the report Bridging the Rural Divide, now available for download.

According to the OECD, this document examines recent policy and technology approaches to bridging the digital divide in rural and remote areas in OECD countries. First, it discusses issues related to assessing broadband gaps, defining speeds and establishing national targets. Second, it describes policies being implemented to improve both access and uptake, such as fostering competition, promoting national, rural and community-led broadband initiatives, supporting open access policies and reducing deployment costs. Finally, it briefly reviews technological developments that are likely to influence the provision of services in underserved areas. Experience in OECD countries with fibre optics, coaxial cable, copper, fixed and mobile wireless, satellites and hybrid approaches, as well as with emerging technologies, are used to illustrate some of the technological trends discussed. This document also includes a summary of common challenges and good practices to bring improved communication services to individuals and communities in rural and remote areas.

OECD Releases 2017 Edition of the Periodic Global Insurance Market Trends Report

February 23, 2018

In the context of the Conference on unleashing the potential of the cyber insurance market, the OECD has released the 2017 edition of the periodic Global Insurance Market Trends report, together with the accompanying statistics. According to the OECD announcement:


This monitoring report is compiled using data from the OECD Global Insurance Statistics (GIS) database. The geographical reach of the GIS database is constantly expanding and now covers 62 countries. In addition to OECD countries, this includes: a number of non-OECD Latin American countries, achieved through cooperation with the Association of Latin American Insurance Supervisors (ASSAL); several non-OECD countries in Asia; as well as Lithuania, South Africa and, for the first time, Tunisia.

This monitoring report and the GIS database provide an increasingly valuable cross-country source of data and information on insurance sector developments for use by governmental and supervisory authorities, central banks, the insurance sector and broader financial industry, consumers and the research community.

Other relevant documents include the the report provided to G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, and the OECD report Enhancing the role of insurance in cyber risk management.

The CSISAC welcomes the release of these informative reports, and encourages the OECD to continue improving the involvement of Civil Society participants in the analysis and policy-making process on the digital economy.

New OECD Report: Health at a Glance 2017

November 14, 2017

The new OECD Health at a Glance 2017 report provides international comparisons of health status, risk factors to health, health expenditure, access to care and quality of care.

The 2017 edition includes a special chapter on the factors driving gains in life expectancy, as well as a set of dashboard indicators summarizing the comparative performance of OECD countries on different dimensions of population health status and health system performance.

Healthier lifestyles, higher incomes and better education have all contributed to boosting life expectancy in recent decades. Better health care has also helped, according to the new OECD report.

All OECD countries have seen life expectancy at birth increase by over 10 years since 1970 to reach an average of 80.6 years. Life expectancy at birth is highest in Japan (83.9 years), and Spain and Switzerland (83 years each), and lowest in Latvia (74.6) and Mexico (75).

A 10% increase in health spending per capita in real terms would, on average, boost life expectancy by 3.5 months. However, it is not just spending, but how resources are used, that makes the difference in life expectancy.

OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016

December 11, 2016

The OECD has published the Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016 The STI Outlook is a biennial publication that aims to inform policy makers and analysts on recent and future changes in global science, technology and innovation (STI) patterns and their potential implications on and for national and international STI policies. Based on the most recent data available, the report provides comparative analysis of new policies and instruments being used in OECD countries and a number of major emerging economies (including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and South Africa) to boost the contribution of science and innovation to growth and to global and social challenges. In this edition, detailed country and policy profiles are available on line.

The STI Outlook is available in 26 languages.

OECD Releases Report on the Next Production Revolution

May 24, 2017

This publication examines the opportunities and challenges, for business and government, associated with technologies bringing about the Next production revolution. These include a variety of digital technologies (e.g. the Internet of Things and advanced robotics). Link to the report on the Next Production Revolution

OECD Releases Report on Trade in Counterfeit ICT Goods

April 27, 2017

This study looks at the trade in counterfeit ICT goods, including the size of the trade, the main sources of fake goods, and the countries whose companies are most affected. Link to the report Trade in Counterfeit ICT Goods

OECD Releases Recommendation on Health Data Governance

January 23, 2017

The OECD has released the Recommendation on Health Data Governance. The CSISAC thanks the OECD for the opportunity to take part in the dialogue that lead to the final text, including the participation in the Advisory Committee on Health Data, and the meetings at the OECD Committee on Digital Economy Policy (CDEP). The text of the recommendation can be found in the OECD site about Health Governance, together with other related documents.

OECD Meetings: Summary of the 73rd Session of the Digital Economy Policy Committee (CDEP)

November 21, 2016

The CSISAC has participated in the 73rd Session of the Digital Economy Policy Committee (CDEP), held in conjunction with the meetings of its Working Parties on Measurement and Analysis (MADE), Communications, Infrastructure and Services (CISP) and Security and Privacy (SPDE). We wanted to thank all the civil society experts that have taken part in the preparation of the meeting, contributing with analysis and suggestions of the OECD draft papers and discussions.

The CSISAC delegation was formed by the Steering Committee members Marc Rotenberg and Claire Milne attending the SPDE and the CISP respectively, and Suso Baleato taking part as CSISAC liaison in the CDEP, and as delegate for the statistical working party (MADE). In addition, CSISAC members Jacqueline Souza from Internet Lab (Brazil), Wafa Ben Hassin (Access Now) and Corynne McSherry (EFF) have participated as well, taking part in the OECD Foresight Forum on Artificial Intelligence and the Internet and Jurisdiction Conference.

The 73rd session of the CDEP focused on the 2017-2018 plan of work, as a follow up of the 2016 OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Digital Economy held in Cancún (México). The proposed focus and topics for work showed consistency with the outcomes of this high level meeting, showing a stronger focus on societal outcomes that includes the explicit recognition of a growing inequality and the need to foster a more inclusive digital development. The CSISAC is happy to see this focus in the 2017-2018 work plan, as it reflects the goals of the Civil Society Forum 'Towards a more Inclusive, Equitable, Accountable Digital Economy'. However, the prevalence of the more econometric perspective introduces limitations to the capacity of the proposed approach for the OECD policy-making process to fully accomplish the Civil Society Goals.

For those reasons, the work of the CSISAC during the CDEP meetings focused on improving the alignment of the OECD work plan with the civil society objectives. With this purpose, the CSISAC has engaged in the analysis of the OECD drafts and working papers, engaging in the exchange of perspectives with the representatives of Member Countries, the OECD and the other stakeholders during the meeting. The CSISAC has been instrumental in introducing the notion of 'algorithmic transparency' as way to frame the policy-making needs connected to Artificial Intelligence; in improving the provisions on de-identification of the Recommendation on Health Data Governance to safeguard the protection of personal data and privacy; in reinforcing the focus on inclusion in the scope of the Horizontal Project on Digitalisation; and in having recognised the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in the new policy-making projects on the digital realm.

The CSISAC will continue working to foster the Civil Society Goals. In addition to engaging in the ongoing projects, the proposals to foster the alignment of the G20 and OECD digital agendas, and the involvement of the ISO/IEC do introduce new opportunities for CSISAC to achieve this objective. The CSISAC is actively searching for civil society groups, activists and experts to participate in preparation of the written comments to be submitted to the OECD, and also in the processes connected to the OECD digital agenda. Participants from the Latin America/ Caribbean, African and Asian regions are strongly encouraged to show their availability and interest to take part in the work of CSISAC.

OECD Releases New Publication on Progress Since the Seoul 2008 Declaration

September 30, 2013

The OECD has released a new publication titled "The Internet Economy on the Rise: Progress since the Seoul Declaration." This publication reviews progress made since the 2008 OECD Seoul Declaration for the Future of the Internet Economy and identifies areas for future work. Seven themes are addressed: high-speed infrastructure; digital content and green ICTs; the development of smarter applications; cybersecurity and privacy; consumer empowerment and protection; an open Internet economy; and global participation for development.

OECD releases new report, "Measuring the Digital Economy: A New Perspective"

December 8, 2014

The OECD has released a new report titled "Measuring the Digital Economy: A New Perspective." From the OECD: "The growing role of the digital economy in daily life has heightened demand for new data and measurement tools. Internationally comparable and timely statistics combined with robust cross-country analyses are crucial to strengthen the evidence base for digital economy policy making, particularly in a context of rapid change. This report presents indicators traditionally used to monitor the information society and complements them with experimental indicators that provide insight into areas of policy interest. The key objectives of this publication are to highlight measurement gaps and propose actions to advance the measurement agenda."

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.

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: 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.

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.

New OECD Book on Online Identity Theft

April 1, 2009

The OECD has published a new book which defines ID theft, studies how it is perpetrated, outlines what is being done to combat it, and recommends specific ways to address it in a global manner.

The purpose of this book is threefold:

* to define ID theft, both online and off-line, and to study how it is perpetrated;
* to outline what is being done to combat the major types of ID theft; and
* to recommend specific ways that ID theft can be addressed in an effective, global manner.

Note that readers can access the full version of this book choosing, among other options, to browse the book online here, to purchase the PDF e-book and/or print edition directly via OECD Online Bookshop."

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 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.