Initiating interdisciplinary research for future-proof data protection in the context of Data Spaces and semantic interoperable data sharing.
Keywords: Data sharing, data protection, semantic interoperability, GDPR, Data Spaces
Abstract: The objective of this article is to propose a way forward for addressing the challenges currently facing data protection law in the context of a widespread implementation of Data Spaces and semantic interoperable data sharing. The failure to implement data protection law in an appropriate manner within this context could impede the implementation of Data Spaces and hinder the necessary protection of fundamental rights, as data protection can be considered a gateway right. This is because the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is based on assumptions and characteristics of data sharing that do not match the possibilities of Data Spaces and a broader evolution of semantic, interoperable data sharing. Although the call for future-proofing data protection has been heard for some time, it becomes even more relevant and tangible in a context of semantically interoperable data sharing. In this context, this article identifies the underlying assumptions and characteristics of data sharing on which current data protection law is based, contrasting these with the characteristics of semantic interoperable data sharing within Data Spaces. Subsequently, it identifies a series of key areas for further research, delineating common threads that can serve as a foundation for interdisciplinary discussions and research on future-proof data protection approaches in the context of Data Spaces and semantic interoperable data sharing. Moreover, based on these common threads, more specific preliminary suggestions for future-proofing data protection in the context of Data Spaces and semantic interoperable data sharing are also explored. In this way, the article contributes to the EU's objectives for the development of Data Spaces and benefits a wide range of stakeholders, including legislators, policymakers, enforcement authorities, providers and users of (personal) data spaces, and academics.
Submission Number: 2
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