The Future of Transatlantic Digital Cooperation | Mainstage

The new era requires digital rules of the road that promote competition, consumer protections, and a robust supply chain. It’s important, said Juan Carlos Flores, Vice President for International External and Regulatory Affairs, UK, Middle East, and North Africa at AT&T, for democracies to lead the conversations.

Pushed by Ryan Heath, Senior Editor at POLITICO, to look at regulation, Flores expressed his hope that the U.S. takes an “all-of-the-above” approach by enlisting the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Congress, and ideas from Europe. Rather than deferring to states, there needs to be a free flow between borders and national privacy laws. AT&T understands, he continued, about the importance of innovation and cybersecurity. 5G, for example, delivers a network as strong at its edges as at its core, which has the potential to transform the digital economy. At the same time, securing networks and competitive knowledge remains crucial. 

Heath asked whether the COVID-19 pandemic uncovered any benefits for AT&T. Flores expressed his pride in employees who remained connected and coordinated through technology and who continued to work on AT&T’s charitable endeavors.

• Given the global nature of the digital economy, there must be wide, cross-country agreements about the rules and regulations governing it.
• As access to networks widens, security remains important.