What does the term "data sovereignty" refer to?

The term "data sovereignty" refers to the principle that data is governed by the laws and regulations of the country in which it is collected and stored. This concept emphasizes that any data, whether it be personal, corporate, or governmental, is subject to the legal frameworks of the jurisdiction where the data resides. This has significant implications for businesses and organizations operating in multiple countries, as they must navigate different legal landscapes that dictate how data can be used, shared, and protected.

Understanding data sovereignty is crucial, especially for organizations dealing with sensitive information, as it affects compliance with local laws, privacy regulations, data protection, and even national security. For instance, data stored in the European Union must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has specific requirements regarding data privacy and the rights of individuals.

Other concepts mentioned, such as the impact of data on the economy, ethical use of data across borders, or the ability of data to withstand breaches, are related to broader themes in data management and security but do not specifically capture the essence of data sovereignty as it pertains to legal jurisdiction over data. These themes highlight different aspects of data security and ethics that are important but are not directly about the legal jurisdiction element that defines data sovereignty.