As digital interdependence and geopolitical fragmentation grow, ensuring data authenticity, security, and regulatory compliance is more crucial than ever. Trust in data has eroded due to the opaque nature of AI systems, varying regulatory regimes, and governance gaps, reinforcing a critical need for transparency and accountability. The authors of this article discuss the regulatory framework, importance of data protection, risks of failing to protect the same, and how protected data is of value key to the use of AI. Introduction Ensuring data authenticity, security, and regulatory compliance is more crucial than ever as digital interdependence and geopolitical fragmentation continue to…