Many governments are currently rethinking their policies regarding cross-border data flows. Although cross-border data flows grew 45x between 2005 and 2014, according to a McKinsey analysis, events since 2014 have pushed the pendulum to swing away from unconstrained data globalization.
The Dangers of Digital Protectionism
“Data islands” aren’t the answer to concerns about privacy and security.
August 30, 2018
Summary.
Many governments are currently rethinking their policies regarding cross-border data flows. Although cross-border data flows grew 45x between 2005 and 2014, events since 2014 have pushed the pendulum to swing away from unconstrained data globalization. But too much regulation will create, in effect, data islands — which will in turn prevent citizens and consumers trapped on those islands from enjoying the many benefits of tighter links to the global digital economy. Policy makers should aim for more-nuanced solutions.
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Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Digital Intelligence . Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Excel in a world that's being continually transformed by technology.