DefinePK

Abstract

In the 21st century, data has emerged as a strategic resource with profound implications for governance, economic growth, and geopolitical power. The concept of data sovereignty — the principle that digital information is subject to the laws and governance structures of the nation where it is collected — has gained prominence amid rising concerns about cyber espionage, cross-border data flows, and the monopolistic tendencies of global technology corporations. While data localization policies promise to safeguard national security and protect citizen privacy, they also pose challenges for global cooperation, innovation, and cross-border trade. This article critically examines the evolving dynamics of data sovereignty, focusing on the intersection between national security imperatives and the need for international collaboration. Drawing on legal, technological, and geopolitical perspectives, it explores case studies from the European Union, the United States, China, and emerging economies to reveal patterns of convergence and divergence in policy approaches. The discussion underscores the tension between state-centric control mechanisms and the borderless nature of cyberspace, highlighting the potential for a hybrid governance model that reconciles sovereign rights with the principles of open data exchange. Ultimately, this paper proposes a strategic framework that aligns data sovereignty with global interoperability standards, ensuring that the benefits of digital globalization are preserved without compromising security or autonomy.