Data protection in social networks: comparison between Armenian and European Union law

Abstract

The subject matter of this thesis is the introduction and examination of data protection regulations and means of protection in social networks under EU and Armenian law. The significance of the subject matter is justified by the fact that the 21st century is being developed as a “digital age” where technology and particularly social networking systems play a huge role when collecting and processing enormous personal data. Hence, much more attention should be paid to the laws and regulations which protect the personal data especially online. The present paper aims to examine the acting laws both in Armenia and the EU, monitor court cases in the above-mentioned countries, and find means of protection in the event of data policy infringements. The judicial practice on data privacy issues in Armenia is quite small. The same can be spoken about the legislation which sometimes may not completely cover a practical data privacy case. In comparison, international practice has several major judicial cases concerning social media. On July 18, 2018, Sir Cliff Richard OBE was awarded £210,000 (about US$270,360) in general damages after the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was held liable for infringing his privacy rights over the filming and broadcast of a search of his UK property by South Yorkshire Police (SYP) in relation to allegations of historical child sexual abuse.