Critics and cautious observers argue that while the vision of a seamless ASEAN data market is economically attractive, it overlooks significant risks related to national sovereignty, data privacy, and security. Skeptics point out that 'data protectionism' is often a misnomer for legitimate concerns regarding the protection of citizens' personal information and the maintenance of national security. For many ASEAN nations, the ability to control data within their own borders is a fundamental aspect of governance that cannot be easily surrendered to a regional framework without robust safeguards.
There is also the concern that a push for rapid integration could exacerbate existing inequalities between member states. Countries with more advanced digital infrastructure and stronger regulatory frameworks might disproportionately benefit from open data flows, while less developed nations could find themselves struggling to protect their local industries or manage the influx of foreign digital services. Critics argue that without a clear, equitable mechanism to address these disparities, a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to data sharing could lead to unintended consequences, including the erosion of local digital sovereignty.
Furthermore, the technical and legal complexity of harmonizing data laws across ten diverse nations with different legal systems and political priorities is immense. Skeptics warn that focusing on high-level goals like regional data sharing may distract from more immediate, practical challenges, such as improving basic digital literacy, expanding internet access, and ensuring reliable energy infrastructure. They suggest that until these foundational issues are addressed, the focus should remain on building domestic capacity rather than rushing into regional agreements that may be difficult to enforce or may compromise the security of sensitive national data.