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Keeping digital networks free and secure is critical to enabling global trade and growth

Henry Jardine, U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius

The U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius, Henry Jardine, also delivered a keynote address at the opening of the Data Protection Training Workshop held at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, in which he highlighted that the expansion of the digital economy is transforming societies worldwide. 

He referenced the Global AI Research Agenda (GAIRA), a framework developed by the U.S. Department of State and other American agencies, stating that artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly advancing field with immense potential to drive innovation, while necessitating responsible governance. 

“The growth of the digital economy is transforming societies across the globe,” he remarked. “Keeping digital networks free and secure is critical to enabling global trade and growth, and ensuring our shared prosperity.”  

The Ambassador further emphasized that safeguarding personal data is not just a matter of privacy, but also an economic imperative. In an era of widespread digital adoption, robust data protection measures help mitigate identity theft, fraud, and cybercrimes, while fostering trust in digital services. 

“Businesses and consumers are more likely to engage in digital transactions when they are confident that their data is secure”

Protecting personal data is crucial to safeguarding individuals’ privacy and security – and a key to maintaining a reliable investment climate, thus bolstering economic growth. Businesses and consumers are more likely to engage in digital transactions when they are confident that their data is secure. Protecting individuals’ data ensures that their rights to privacy and freedom from surveillance are upheld,” the Ambassador stated. 

The U.S. government, through its various agencies, has been actively collaborating with Mauritius on digital security initiatives, and Henry Jardine reiterated the commitment to supporting Mauritius in enhancing its data protection and cybersecurity architecture. 

Key efforts include:  

  • A collaborative review of the “Guide on Generative Artificial Intelligence” by the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Digital and Emerging Technology Services.  
  • A workshop on 5G, Open RAN, and emerging technologies hosted in June 2024 by the U.S. Department of State’s Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program.  
  • A three-day regional cybersecurity workshop held in May 2024 by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.  
  • The IT Summit hosted by the Mauritius Institute of Directors, which featured Ambassador Jardine as a participant, further reinforcing discussions on digital security and policy.  

These initiatives align with the U.S. International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy, which promotes an innovative, secure, and rights-respecting digital future. At the heart of this strategy lies the concept of digital solidarity, a commitment to working collectively on shared objectives, strengthening partner nations’ capacities, and fostering a secure digital environment for all.

Commending Mauritius for its proactive stance on data protection, Ambassador Jardine acknowledged the country’s commitment to fortifying its cybersecurity framework, and encouraged continued collaboration with international partners in shaping policies that balance innovation with security.  

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