Cyber Laws and Compliance in a Globally Connected Digital Economy

Abstract

This study aims to explore the challenges and opportunities of cyber law compliance within a globally connected digital economy, focusing on the factors influencing organizations' ability to navigate diverse legal frameworks. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 22 participants from various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and government. Participants were selected based on their professional involvement in cybersecurity and data privacy. The data were analyzed using NVivo software to identify key themes and patterns related to cyber law compliance, with theoretical saturation reached through data triangulation and the iterative analysis of the interviews. The study identified four key themes: the complexity of international regulations, challenges in cross-border data privacy, resource constraints, and the impact of legal enforcement across jurisdictions. Participants emphasized the fragmentation of global legal frameworks, the difficulty in managing cross-border data flow due to data sovereignty and localization laws, and the significant financial and human resource barriers to achieving compliance. Additionally, the enforcement of cyber laws across borders was highlighted as inconsistent, complicating compliance efforts for multinational organizations. Cyber law compliance is a complex and resource-intensive challenge for businesses operating in a globally connected digital economy. While international regulations like the GDPR offer robust frameworks for data protection, inconsistencies in legal standards across jurisdictions create significant barriers to compliance. Organizations must adapt to these challenges by investing in comprehensive compliance frameworks, employee training, and technological solutions, while policymakers should aim for greater harmonization of cyber laws to facilitate global compliance.