Data localization laws, which require data to be stored within a country’s physical borders, are often promoted as a means to enhance cybersecurity. But do these laws actually improve cybersecurity outcomes? This study compiles a global dataset of data localization laws and policies, employing econometric analysis to compare cybersecurity performance between countries with and without such regulations.

While social media disinformation has received significant academic and policy attention, more consequential forms of intentional manipulation target the underlying digital infrastructures upon which society depends.