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Author	Assoc Prof Dr. Ajay Kumar Sharma
Organisation/Institution	Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law (University of Delhi)
Country	INDIA
Panel	Information Technology Law
Title	Comparative Perspectives on Data Sovereignty and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulation in Asia: Balancing National Laws with International Trade, Investment, and Human Rights Commitments
Abstract	If data is the new oil, then Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just the refinery but also the engine driving innovation and the digital economy. This transformation has accelerated the assertion of AI/data sovereignty, as States seek to protect the rights of their citizens from corporate overreach while simultaneously strengthening national control over its citizens, while fostering their own digital economies (Chander and Sun, 2023, p. 7). The proposed conference paper will endeavour to undertake a comparative analysis of AI regulatory and data governance frameworks in select Asian jurisdictions viz., India, Singapore, China, Japan and Indonesia, while drawing on EU and US approaches for contrast and best practices. It will examine how these jurisdictions balance domestic concerns (e.g., data privacy and national security) with international legal obligations under various trade regimes, investment treaties (IIAs), and international human rights instruments that shape obligations for various stakeholders. By integrating international and comparative law perspectives, this proposed conference paper would attempt to formulate regulatory strategies to reconcile AI and digital governance with international law. Thus this proposed research paper will aim to balance state sovereignty, international economic commitments, regulatory autonomy, public policy, and human rights in an evolving global legal order.
Biography	Dr. Ajay Kumar Sharma is an Associate Professor at the Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, India. With over sixteen years of experience in legal academia, he has also served as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) and practiced as an Advocate before the Supreme Court of India in the past. He is an LL.M. (Gold Medallist) from the Indian Law Institute (Deemed University), and did his Ph.D. (Law) from the National Law University, Jodhpur, where he taught for over eight years as well. He has published extensively in national and international law journals of repute, and has presented his research at prestigious forums including the Asian Law Institute (ASLI) and Asian Society of International Law (ASIANSIL) conferences. His areas of academic interest and research include international trade and investment laws, corporate law, women's laws, judicial process and administration, evidence law, and statutory interpretation.