[PRESS RELEASE] ASEAN Civil Society Urges Transparency and Public Engagement in Digital Economy Framework Agreement Talks

Kuala Lumpur/ Jakarta / Manila / Bangkok: 23 October 2025— Ahead of the 2025 ASEAN Summit, a coalition of civil society organizations from across ASEAN is calling for greater transparency and meaningful public engagement in the ongoing negotiations of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a major regional trade agreement that aims to establish binding and enforceable digital rules among ASEAN Member States.

In a joint letter delivered today, digital rights groups, labor organizations, consumer advocates, and regional public interest networks express concern that the DEFA is moving forward without meaningful civil society participation, public consultation, or access to draft texts.

“This agreement has been heavily promoted as a driver of regional integration and economic growth, setting the rules for data, platforms, AI, and digital trade,” said Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, Executive Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), Indonesia. “But given the scale of its promised impact, it’s essential that the people of ASEAN know what’s in it, and that the negotiation process reflects ASEAN’s commitment to being people-oriented and people-centered.”

The DEFA is expected to address key issues such as data free flows, artificial intelligence, digital IDs, and emerging technologies. Civil society groups are concerned that the agreement could reinforce tech monopolies and limit governments’ ability to protect workers, ensure fair competition, support local businesses, uphold consumer rights, and pursue industrial policies that promote innovation and economic growth.

ASEAN negotiators have signaled their intention to complete 70% of the agreement by the ASEAN Summit next week, with full conclusion targeted for 2026.

A key reference point in the negotiations is a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), commissioned by the Australian Government, which projects that the DEFA could contribute USD 1 trillion in economic gains for the region. However, civil society groups note that the full study, including its methodology and assumptions, has not been released publicly.

“The DEFA will have an effect on the everyday lives of ASEAN peoples thus there should be broader consultations. As it is, we are left in the dark because the text is not made public and participation is not open.” said Liza Garcia, Executive Director of the Foundation for Media Alternatives in the Philippines.

“Why is a foreign government funding the economic modelling for ASEAN’s most important digital agreement?” said Mohideen Abdul Kader, President of the Consumers’ Association of Penang in Malaysia. If this figure is motivating the ASEAN negotiators to sign, then the people of ASEAN have a right to see the details including the assumptions and methodology, not just the BCG slide deck.”

The letter urges ASEAN Member States to ensure that all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, labor groups, and small businesses, have an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this important regional initiative.

It recommends several concrete steps, including:

• Publishing the DEFA’s negotiating texts, country submissions, and the ASEAN mandate;
• Releasing the full BCG study, including its assumptions and methodology;
• Creating structured mechanisms for civil society participation at both regional and national levels;
• Holding stakeholder engagement events during the negotiation rounds;
• Disclosing interactions with industry stakeholders and third-party advisers, in line with ASEAN’s broader transparency goals.

“ASEAN’s vision of a digitally inclusive region will be strengthened by open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and broad-based public trust,” said Cornelius Damar Hanung, East Asia – ASEAN Programme Manager of FORUM-ASIA. “This is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership not only in digital policy, but also in open and accountable government.”

Contact information:

Chee Yoke Ling

Executive Director

Third World Network

twnkl@twnetwork.org

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Access the letter and signatories here: https://www.twn.my/announcement/signonletter/Civil_Society_Letter_to_ASEAN_Member_States_on_the_Digital_Economy_Framework_Agreement2025.pdf