Privacy in the 21^st Century: data protection, democracy, and regulatory frameworks

Abstract:

Starting from debates in political theory about the public-private distinction, the article investigates data protection as a contemporary development of privacy. To substantiate the discussion empirically, the normative frameworks on data protection of the European Union, the United States and Brazil are analyzed. The aim is to examine how these regulations define the role of the state, private sector procedures and citizen rights. The research uses a comparative analysis methodology with a focus on correlations and controversies between the legislations. The result is a systematization of the main rules adopted in each region into a comparative framework. The article concludes that the differences between regulatory models reflect distinct understandings about the democratic system itself. This discussion aims to contribute to reflections in the social sciences about the relations between technology and politics.

Key words:
privacy; data protection; democracy; technology; internet