Bridging Global Cybersecurity Governance Gaps: A Comparative Legal Analysis of the European Union and Emerging Frameworks in South Asia and Latin America

This research takes a close look at how different parts of the world are tackling cybersecurity, comparing the well-established approach of the European Union with the evolving systems in South Asia and Latin America. We found that there are still big gaps in global cybersecurity efforts. These gaps exist because cyber threats don't respect borders, countries have very different levels of readiness and resources, and cybersecurity laws often clash or aren't consistent worldwide. The European Union stands out with its strong, rights-focused legal framework, including key laws like GDPR and NIS2, and powerful agencies like ENISA. In contrast, South Asian countries are rapidly embracing digital technology but often struggle with outdated or inconsistent laws, political challenges, and a tricky balance between national security and individual online freedoms. Meanwhile, Latin American nations face advanced cybercrime and even attacks from other governments. While some, like Brazil with its LGPD, have made good progress in data protection, the region generally suffers from a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals and difficulties in putting plans into action. Ultimately, this research concludes that to truly make our digital world safer and more fair, we need a global shift towards shared responsibility, focused efforts to build up cybersecurity capabilities where they're weakest, and much stronger international cooperation.