The product of advanced information technology and digital transmission capabilities, transborder data flow (TDF)--the flow of information across national borders via computer and other electronic communications systems--has considerable political, social, economic, and legal implications. Important issues in TDF include (1) the regulation of telecommunication planning and development among various nations without stifling innovations; (2) the protection of personal privacy; (3) the impact of TDF on the cultural identity of information receiving nations; (4) the expatriation of national information; (5) the treatment of information as a commodity; (6) the impact of TDF on developing nations' balance of trade, employment, and infant information services; and (7) the restriction of competition and market entry of transnational corporations through such legislated and nonlegislated barriers as tariffs and prohibitive pricing. While current international legislation on TDF may appear excessive to those hoping to profit from expanding telecommunications systems, to people wanting to improve privacy protection or protect fledgling information economies, it seems minimal. Greater international cooperation is needed to balance the need for a free flow of information with other needs for personal and national protection and benefit. (MM)