Archives and Records: Privacy, Personality Rights, and Access

This open-access book explores the protection of privacy and personality rights in public records, records management, historical sources, and archives, analyzing data security and presenting cases of misuse. It examines archival inflation, data minimization, anonymization, pseudonymization, and reidentification risks. It also discusses post-mortem privacy protection, the right to know and the right to be forgotten, and introduces a model of four categories of the right to be forgotten. The book offers recommendations for archives and records management.

Format: Hardback
Length: 313 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive open-access book delves into the intricate realm of safeguarding privacy and personality rights in public records, records management, historical sources, and archives. It offers a broad international comparative perspective, addressing the critical issue of preserving these rights while navigating the complexities of modern information management.

The book begins by exploring the multifaceted dimensions of privacy and personality rights, examining their historical evolution and the challenges posed by the digital age. It scrutinizes the legal frameworks and mechanisms in place to protect these rights, highlighting the gaps and inconsistencies that exist across different jurisdictions.

Central to the book's discussion is the notion that archiving can pose a security risk to the protection of sensitive data and human rights. It analyzes the data security landscape, shedding light on the potential vulnerabilities inherent in the archiving process. Through a series of compelling case studies, the book highlights instances of misuse of sensitive personal data, such as census data and medical records, emphasizing the urgent need for robust safeguards.

The book also delves into the phenomenon of archival inflation, where the volume of public records and archives continues to grow exponentially, presenting both challenges and opportunities. It examines strategies for minimizing and reducing data in public records and archives, including techniques such as data anonymization, pseudonymization, and the risks associated with deanonymization and reidentification of individuals.

Furthermore, the book explores post-mortem privacy protection, examining the rights of individuals to control their personal information after their death. It discusses the relationship between the right to know and the right to be forgotten, introducing a specific model of four categories of the right to be forgotten. This model aims to strike a balance between the public's interest in historical records and the individual's right to control their personal information.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the protection of privacy and personality rights in public records, records management, historical sources, and archives. It offers valuable recommendations for archives and records management professionals, policymakers, and individuals seeking to safeguard their rights in the digital age. By raising awareness and promoting best practices, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue on privacy and information management, ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected and preserved in the ever-evolving information landscape.

Weight: 565g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031186660
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023