GSF and FIATA set minimum requirements for data security and confidentiality

The Global Shippers Forum (GSF) and International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) have called for stronger data governance in digital supply chains.

The groups have agreed and published a charter for the protection and management of data in international trade, which contains a recommended set of minimum data security and confidentiality safeguards aimed at digital booking and trading platforms.

The nine-page document sets out rights and responsibilities that should be included in user agreements and addresses five areas:

Ownership of data provided by a supply chain stakeholder Permission to store, transfer or analyze data provided by a supply chain stakeholder Due diligence to protect data provided by a supply chain stakeholder “Large Transport”

Approved by members of both organizations, the charter aims to level the playing field for the sector and create a safe and trusted environment for business.

dr Stéphane Graber, Director General of FIATA, said: “FIATA is committed to enabling the shift in trade from analogue to digital forms to increase the efficiency and resilience of global supply chains.”

“On this journey, interoperability between platforms and their credibility with users are critical to success. This requires clear and fair data sharing rules to maintain confidentiality and ensure trust between stakeholders.”

James Hookham, Secretary General of the GSF, said: “The digitization of international trade and transport documents offers huge savings and benefits for all parties in the supply chain, but their storage and processing carries risks of loss, leakage and unauthorized use that are commercially exposed could be sensitive patterns and trends.”

“Our charter sets reasonable expectations for the safeguards that should be in place to respect ownership of data, protect its confidentiality, and guard against unauthorized access and use.”

Source: News Network