Research project PC/11 (Research action PC)
The project centres on research concerning the effectiveness of the provisions laid down in international and national instruments in the area of trans-boundary transfer of personal data, the initial emphasis being on the standpoint of the citizen concerned.
Although standards associated with privacy have increased markedly in number over the past few years, it appears that standards concerning the trans-boundary storage and processing of personal data are embryonic and that doubts have arisen as to the possibility of imposing them.
How can an individual learn about the trans-boundary transfer of data concerning him, how can he/she examine the data and obtain satisfaction in cases where his/her privacy has been violated, who has jurisdiction over such matters and what legal standards are applicable?
Comparative law reveals similarities and/or differences between most European legislations and makes it possible to determine how the so-called principle of equivalence applies to the victim. On this basis, we seek possible solutions in the framework of the idea of a European legal area, leading to the creation of an effective system protecting citizens against violations of their privacy outside their own country.
