Global Trends in Privacy Protection: An International Survey of Privacy, Data Protection, and Surveillance Laws and Developments

111 Pages Posted: 31 Aug 2012

See all articles by David Banisar

David Banisar

London School of Economics, Department of Government; Governmental Accountability Project

Simon G. Davies

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: August 30, 2012

Abstract

Privacy is a fundamental human right recognized in all major international treaties and agreements on human rights. Nearly every country in the world recognizes privacy as a fundamental human right in their constitution, either explicitly or implicitly. Most recently drafted constitutions include specific rights to access and control one's personal information.

There is a growing trend towards the enactment of comprehensive privacy and data protection acts around the world. Currently over 40 countries and jurisdictions have or are in the process of enacting such laws. Countries are adopting these laws in many cases to address past governmental abuses (such as in former East Bloc countries), to promote electronic commerce, or to ensure compatibility with international standards developed by the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Many countries have also adopted Freedom of Information laws.

This paper provides details of the state of privacy in over fifty countries around the world. It outlines the constitutional and legal conditions of privacy protection, and summarizes important issues and events relating to privacy and surveillance.

Keywords: privacy, data protection, surveillance, freedom of information

Suggested Citation

Banisar, David and Davies, Simon G., Global Trends in Privacy Protection: An International Survey of Privacy, Data Protection, and Surveillance Laws and Developments (August 30, 2012). John Marshall Journal of Computer & Information Law, Vol. XVIII, No. 1, Fall 1999, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2138799

David Banisar (Contact Author)

London School of Economics, Department of Government ( email )

Houghton Street
London, WC2A 2AE
United Kingdom

Governmental Accountability Project ( email )

1612 K Street, NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
United States

Simon G. Davies

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
1,626
Abstract Views
5,458
Rank
20,593
PlumX Metrics