Global Governance of Genomic and Algorithmic Data; A Comparative Study of Iran’s and the European Union’s Commitments and Capacities within a Cyber Biosecurity Framework

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Law, Qas, C., Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran.

2 Department of Theology, Qas, C., Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran.

10.22080/jpir.2026.31587.1570

Abstract

This study analyzes genomic and algorithmic data governance in Iran and the European Union, focusing on its implications for cyber-biosecurity and risks associated with emerging technologies. The research question is how differences in legal frameworks, institutional quality, and data governance patterns produce varying levels of cyber-biosecurity and control over intelligent biotechnology threats. The study hypothesizes that the European Union, due to strong regulatory institutions and stringent legal regimes, achieves higher cyber-biosecurity, whereas Iran, lacking a coherent data governance architecture and integration between biological and cyber policymaking, faces greater limitations in risk control. Using a descriptive-analytical method and comparative approach, the research draws on global governance, international technology regimes, and relational biosecurity theories. Findings show that the European Union benefits from coordinated multilevel regulation, comprehensive data protection rules, and greater resilience against cyber-biological threats, while serving as an international standard-setting actor. In contrast, Iran’s data governance remains fragmented and institution-centered, with limitations in integrated regulation, secure data infrastructure, and participation in transnational regulatory networks. The study concludes that genomic data governance requires coherent institutional architecture, binding rules, standardized protection mechanisms, stronger integration of biological and cyber policymaking, enhanced regulatory capacity, and engagement with international technology regimes.

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References

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Journal of Politics and International Relations
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 18
August 2026
Pages 247-274

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