The Role of Human Dignity in Processing (Health) Data Building on the Organ Trade Prohibition

T. Synodinou, Ph. Jougleux, Markou Ch., Prastitou Th. (eds.), EU Internet Law in The Digital Era, Springer, Forthcoming

14 Pages Posted: 14 Oct 2019

See all articles by Anne de Hingh

Anne de Hingh

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Arno R. Lodder

Vrije Universiteit - Amsterdam Law and Technology Institute, alti.amsterdam

Date Written: September 13, 2019

Abstract

The datafication, commodification and commercialization of our existence as an inevitable part of the online infrastructure of today, not only affects our privacy but it goes deeper by touching upon even more fundamental conditions of being human. In this chapter, bio-medical regulations prohibiting the trade of human body parts are explored to see whether the non-commercialization principle in these laws is helpful in assessing data processing practices. An analogy between data processing and organ trade may help us to develop a new perspective on what constitutes improper commercial use of personal data and find ways to prohibit (reprehensible aspects of) the trade in personal data. We propose to reorient the debate on data processing by introducing the notion of human dignity as constraint into the discussion. A prohibition of personal data commercialism (analogous to a prohibition of transplant commercialism) could contribute to a more future-proof regulation of data processing activities.

Suggested Citation

de Hingh, Anne and Lodder, Arno R., The Role of Human Dignity in Processing (Health) Data Building on the Organ Trade Prohibition (September 13, 2019). T. Synodinou, Ph. Jougleux, Markou Ch., Prastitou Th. (eds.), EU Internet Law in The Digital Era, Springer, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3453302 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3453302

Anne De Hingh

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam ( email )

De Boelelaan 1105
Amsterdam, ND North Holland 1081 HV
Netherlands

Arno R. Lodder (Contact Author)

Vrije Universiteit - Amsterdam Law and Technology Institute, alti.amsterdam ( email )

De Boelelaan 1105
Amsterdam, 1081HV
Netherlands

HOME PAGE: http://alti.amsterdam

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