Cross-Border Data Forensics: Challenges and Strategies in the Belt and Road Initiative Digital Era

Cross-border data forensics in the era of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are facing increased complexity. Multinational enterprises are encountering legal and technical challenges due to the fragmentation of global data regulations. The different data protection standards in major jurisdictions such as the European Union, China and the United States have created varying approaches to data privacy, national security, and cross-border data flow management. A study was conducted to explore the intricate framework of traditional Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) in criminal cases. It highlights the inefficiency of cross-border data forensics and proposes reform proposals to strengthen international data-sharing cooperation. The study suggests that data localization is an effective alternative, but developing digital forensics standards in line with the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative would be a better option. To achieve this, a comprehensive regulatory framework needs to be established that balances national security, personal privacy and international cooperation in data exchange. The framework should emphasize that cross-border data management needs to coordinate and integrate technical, legal and business considerations.