Privacy and regulation in a digital age

Abstract

Owing to the pervasiveness of personal data collection, transmission, storage, and analysis, privacy has emerged as a central public policy concern in recent years. The chapter explains the repercussions of the digital revolution for personal privacy, and situates the current debate in proper historical context. It shows that privacy expectations vary with the social context, and derives a framework through which to understand geographic, sectoral, and temporal variation of privacy protection. Privacy regimes in Europe and the United States are not set apart by profound cultural differences, as is often argued, but instead rely on distinct sets of enforcement mechanisms. After reviewing the respective role of the public sector, the private sector, and technology in enforcing privacy standards, the chapter concludes with a look ahead to new challenges.

The authors would like to thank Craig Pollack, Simon Stow, Almudena Villanueva, Sara Watson, the editors of this volume, and participants in the “E-Life after the dot com bust” workshop for insightful comments and suggestions on previous drafts.