Data localisation may cause cyber attacks, hurt privacy, business competitiveness, says think tank

The need for data localisation mandated under the Personal Data Protection Bill may lead to enhanced risks of privacy violations, cyber attacks, and data breaches, according to trade and regulatory think-tank Cuts International. According to a study titled Consumer Impact Assessment of Data Localisation conducted by Cuts on data localisation impact from the consumer perspective, consumers perceiving higher risks showed lower levels of data usage. Data localisation, if implemented, without adequate preparation and accountability measures, may reduce freedom of speech while enhancing risks of censorship, privacy violations, data breaches and cyber-attacks, the study said.