The European Union: Data Protection for Economic Competition and Regional Security

Abstract

The collection and use of personal data is being increasingly scrutinized by governments and the European Union (EU) has been attempting to handle the development of data protection based progressive protections to protect its citizens data and right to privacy. With the reemergence of Russia in challenging the state of affairs within Europe, their illegal seizure of the Crimea from Ukraine demonstrated the lengths Russia will go to in order to preserve its sphere of influence. Furthermore, Russia’s use of cyber tactics and hybrid warfare has caused many in Europe to become more concerned for their security. When viewed through the lens of Power Transition Theory, the actions of the EU have indicated that it has been working to ensure it is protected from a dissatisfied actor's potential rise. Indeed, with Russia's investment into using cyber-attacks, the EU has acted to protect itself, its members, and its citizens.

Keywords

• European Union
• EU
• data protection
• international relations
• international law