PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNET COMPANIES: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL REGULATION VS SELF-REGULATION

Abstract

The article analyzes the issues of international legal regulation of personal data protection in the context of the development of Internet companies (digital platforms). The following types of problems related to the protection of personal data are actively popularized: the problem of mass leakage of personal data, their subsequent use; the use of gaps in the terminological interpretation of «personal data» for the subsequent removal of data and use for their own purposes, etc. Digital platforms (Internet companies) are gaining popularity and have their own regulatory documents. In addition, the problem is not only in ensuring a balance between international legal regulation and self-regulation of international organizations. The problem is to a greater extent connected with the new concepts of «data depersonalization», which are not properly fi nalized, but are used in legislative initiatives of most states. We will take a closer look at some of the legal provisions of the GDPR as a mega-data controller at the EU level. In the article, the reader’s attention will be drawn to a variety of international documents, which not only touch upon the basic issues of processing and use of personal data, but also new concepts in the fi eld of data, from the point of view of the emerging discipline of «data science». Such documents are, an example of guidance from the OECD, ITU. This is due
to the fact that these international organizations are making attempts to investigate not only the mechanisms of legal regulation, but also the essence of the object of legal regulation (data, personal data). An interdisciplinary approach in the fi eld of personal data protection is an important element that is necessary for the formation of a high-quality international legal framework.