When done right, data protection is not a barrier—it is the foundation for a better use of data for development. © Shutterstock Imagine applying for a government benefit online, only to discover that your personal information—such as your ID number, medical history, or financial records—has been exposed due to a security breach. Suddenly, your most sensitive data is vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. Governments worldwide face increasing threats to public sector digital services, where a single breach can compromise millions of citizens. Digitalization is reshaping economies worldwide, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and better access to public and private services. As we push forward to bridge the digital divide—the gap between those with access to digital technology and those without—we must also bridge the trust gap. Digital progress should empower, not intimidate. The Global Momentum for Data Protection The adoption of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2016 set off a global wave of privacy reforms—the so-called "Brussels effect," where EU regulations influence global standards. This prompted countries around the world to strengthen their data protection frameworks. In 2021, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported that 137 nations had implemented some form […]