Attorney Vahdet Talha Bıçak has contributed to preparation of the Digital Business Indicators and World Development Report 2021. The World Bank teams has expressed their thank to him for his valuable contribution to the Digital Business Indicators and World Development Report 2021 initiatives. The World Bank states that they are delighted to send him a certificate in appreciation of all his time and effort in the development of these initiatives.

With his support, the teams conducted a data regulation diagnostic in 80 countries. The main topics covered are the following: e-commerce/transaction, enablers for public intent and private intent data, safeguards for personal and nonpersonal data, cybersecurity and cybercrime, and cross-border data flows. You may find more information on the Global Data Regulation Diagnostic Survey webpage and the World Development Report 2021: Data for Better Lives webpage. Initial findings and further discussions can also be found in the policy paper on mapping data governance legal frameworks around the world.

As the next step, the Digital Business Indicators project will refine its methodology for measuring the regulatory environment to promote the digital economy.

Digital data is growing at exponential rates. Individuals are leaving digital footprints through their daily activities. Businesses accumulate data about customer behaviors and preferences, using them to improve efficiency and to facilitate exchanges. Governments are also taking initiatives on data accumulation by creating, for example, smart cities and incorporating data analytics into their policy making. If used well, data can foster inclusive economic growth and improve the delivery of public services. Concerns regarding data protection and security are mounting, however, as data breaches and potential violations of individual rights increase.

Bıçak Law will keep you posted on the progress and any feedback is more than welcomed.