Data Compliance in Cross-Border E-commerce: A Comparative Study of China and Malaysia's Regulatory Frameworks

Authors

  • ZHAO HONGQIANG HENAN MUDU LAW FIRM Author
  • XIE YONGYI University of Malaya Author
  • ZHANG ZIYING University of Malaya Author
  • CUI XIAOTIAN HENAN MUDU LAW FIRM Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15074696

Keywords:

Data compliance, Cross-border e-commerce, Digital sovereignty, China-Malaysia relations, Regulatory harmonization

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic comparative analysis of data compliance requirements in cross-border e-commerce between China and Malaysia. Using digital sovereignty theory as a conceptual framework, the research examines regulatory convergences and divergences across four critical dimensions: data localization, cross-border data transfer, privacy protection, and cybersecurity. Findings reveal that China employs a security-centered approach prioritizing data sovereignty, while Malaysia adopts a development-centered framework balancing protection with digital economy growth. These distinct regulatory philosophies create significant compliance challenges for market participants, with disproportionate impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises. Despite these differences, opportunities for regulatory harmonization exist, particularly within bilateral cooperation frameworks. The study contributes practical guidance for navigating complex regulatory landscapes while offering recommendations for enhanced regulatory compatibility including tiered compliance guidelines and bilateral mutual recognition mechanisms to facilitate cross-border digital trade.

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References

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Published

2025-03-24

Data Availability Statement

This study is based on analysis of publicly available legal texts, regulations, and scholarly literature. No original dataset was generated during this research. All legislative texts, regulations, and policy documents referenced in this study are publicly accessible through the official government websites and databases cited in the references section. Scholarly articles and reports used in this analysis can be accessed through their respective publishers or open-access repositories as indicated in the reference list.

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

ZHAO HONGQIANG, XIE YONGYI, ZHANG ZIYING, & CUI XIAOTIAN. (2025). Data Compliance in Cross-Border E-commerce: A Comparative Study of China and Malaysia’s Regulatory Frameworks. Global Academic Frontiers, 3(1), 65-88. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15074696