Exploring the Rule-of-Law Approach to Collaborative Data Security Governance in BRICS

Abstract

Data has become a foundational strategic resource in the digital age, and data security has emerged as a crucial issue that affects national security, economic development, and social stability. With the expansion of data sovereignty approach and the collective rise of the “Global South,” the BRICS countries have initiated their respective data legislation processes and changed the passive position of developing countries in the formulation of international data rules through coordinated governance. However, the BRICS still face challenges, including divergences in core legal concepts, legal barriers to cross-border data flow, and a legal vacuum in coordinated dispute resolution. In the context of intensifying global competition over data rules, promoting collaborative governance in the field of data security among the BRICS countries holds significant strategic importance. Only by first building consensus among developing countries on data-driven collaborative empowerment, then establishing a multi-level legal framework for collaborative data security governance, and finally putting in place a regular mechanism for cooperation on digital sovereignty can the digital economy’s potential be fully unlocked and the voice of developing countries in international rule-making be effectively strengthened.