Authors

Brandon DeLuca

Comments

Advisor: Andreea Cotoranu

Computer Science

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Data is the world’s most valuable resource today. In the 21st century, big data has overtaken the world’s commonly known large industries to become one of the most sought after markets, and companies pay to own this data (The Economist, 2017). Advertisements may have been targeted towards demographics such as race or sex in past years. However, in the digital age, the capability exists to push advertisements to the screens of specific users with known interests. This has been made possible, in part, by unregulated data collection practices across the globe, including in the United States and the European Union. Data collection practices, from the conception of the Internet until the present day, have been disregarding the consent of the user the data represents. This unregulated data collection practice was halted recently in the European Union with the passing of the General Data and Privacy Regulation. However, the practice remains of concern in the United States. This research aims to conduct a classic comparative analysis of the omnibus privacy laws of the United States and the European Union. The existing laws will be compared across the following variables: the right to be informed, right of access, right to rectification, right to erasure, right to restrict processing, right to data portability, and the right to object. Recommendations for improving the United States privacy legislation will be highlighted based on this comparative analysis.

Included in

Privacy Law Commons

Share

COinS