Harmonizing the Use of AI Technologies and Personal Data Protection in Digital Trade

As digital trade expands, artificial intelligence(AI) technologies are increasingly utilized to automate trade processes, enable predictive analytics, and deliver personalized services. However, effective AI deployment depends on large-scale personal data collection and cross-border data transfers, which often conflict with divergent national data protection laws, creating legal uncertainty and regulatory tension. This study analyzes the challenges arising from the intersection of AI use and data privacy in digital trade and proposes strategies for institutional harmonization. By comparing major legal frameworks such as the EU's GDPR, the U.S.’s CCPA, and China's Cyber security laws, it identifies patterns of regulatory conflict across jurisdictions. The study suggests policy solutions including the establishment of global minimum standards, multilateral adequacy and mutual recognition mechanisms, integration of data protection provisions in digital trade agreements, and the construction of a global data governance framework.