This can also lead to friction between entities that engage in cross-border data transfers, as well as between branches of the same company separated by geographic borders.

FORBES: Introducing Forrester's Data Privacy Heat Map

Gavin Starks, chief executive of the U.K. government's Open Data Institute, says the border between what data can be freely used and what can't is clear.

WSJ: 'Open Data' Brings Potential and Perils for Government

While praising government "successes" with technology in Britain, such as taking broadband into every school, introducing electronic border controls and electronic data records in hospitals, Mr Brown said more needed to be done.

BBC: PM launching online question time

General Motors has worked with U.S. Customs on a pilot project that puts transponders in trucks to zap data about the shipment and driver to agents before the truck crosses the border.

FORBES: The Detour Economy

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week in a case of first impression that if you are carrying electronics like computers, hard drives, smart phones, digital cameras, USB sticks or anything else that may contain questionable data when you enter the United States, it may be analyzed by Border Protection agents, either at the point of entry, or at a forensic lab off-site.

FORBES: Welcome to the U.S., We'll Take Your Laptop Now

Police, the security services, the new National Crime Agency and HM Revenue and Customs would be able to access the data, but the draft Communications Data Bill also gives the Home Secretary the power to extend access to others, such as the UK Border Agency.

BBC: Computer keyboard and mouse