Tendency of Trade Barriers in Data Localization Policies and International Legal Responses

With the in-depth development of the digital economy, the need for regulating cross-border data flows is intertwined with the game of national interests. This paper explores the paths through which developed countries expand their digital hegemony as well as the response logic and practices of developing countries. Using literature research and case analysis methods, the study finds that developed countries expand their digital hegemony by long-arm jurisdiction and dominance in rulemaking. They extend their judicial power to the global data field through relevant laws and rely on their rule systems to interfere in other countries' data localization measures. In response, developing countries adopt approaches such as classified and hierarchical management and regional cooperation, reduce compliance costs through technical means, and explore flexible space for cross-border data flows within regional frameworks. This study reveals the differences in data localization policies and the power imbalance between developed and developing countries, providing theoretical references for developing countries to cope with digital hegemony and protect their own data security, and contributing to the construction of a fair global data governance system. It is suggested that developing countries should improve data security assessment mechanisms and deepen regional cooperation to enhance their right to speak. At the international level, efforts should be made to promote the reform of international investment law, clarify the attributes of data assets, and establish a multilateral cooperation framework to counter unilateral hegemony, to achieve a dynamic balance between security and development in the context of data globalization.