Title: Guardians of privacy: exploring the viability of a United Nations-backed global data governance

Authors: Varda Mone; Sugana Mitharwal

Addresses: University of Religions and Denominations, Pardisan, Qom, Iran ' Manipal University, Jaipur, India

Abstract: The exponential growth in data generation and digital interconnectivity has created urgent needs for enhanced privacy protection and international coordination on data governance. However, the current landscape of disjointed data regulations across borders hampers individuals, governments and businesses. This study investigates establishing a global data privacy body under the United Nations to harmonise rules and facilitate cross-border data flows ethically. Such an organisation can act as an international regulatory authority monitoring data practices and regularly updating policies attuned to technological advancements. It can promote accountable data usage by providing binding universal guidelines. Drawing parallels with coordinated IP governance under WIPO, the paper advocates the UN spearheading an institution dedicated to transparency and unified standards for data privacy. This collective governance mechanism would enable preserving human rights, building trust and fostering responsible innovation in the digital economy. Creating a global data privacy authority under the UN holds potential for strategic international cooperation on this critical issue.

Keywords: data protection; global data privacy; international data governance; International Human Rights; panopticon perspective; United Nations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2024.137220

International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, 2024 Vol.14 No.2, pp.194 - 216

Received: 04 Aug 2023
Accepted: 11 Sep 2023
Published online: 05 Mar 2024 *

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