Law

Privacy and data protection sometimes appear to be recent issues but their underlying problems go back decades or centuries; how to deal with gathering and storage of personal data and how to regulate its (ab)use.

"I have nothing to hide" is a common remark. However, governments, companies and private persons can collect, combine and use data from many sources, the issue being exacerbated (or at least, complicated) through the globalized world with its increasing speeds at which data can be transmitted, collected and shared. To say nothing about the many ways through which data will be created and can be collected; social media, government portals, search engines, internet cookies, sign-up lists, questionnaires, games, subscriptions, doctor visits, shopping. Everything leaves data.

Turning back the clock being out of the question, the issue is how to regulate the use and to prevent or penalize the abuse.

This research guide is intended to provide an overview of current online (re)sources on the subject, so that researchers, academics, professionals and interested laypersons may have a good start in engaging the subject.