Aspects of Personal Data Protection from State and Citizen Perspectives – Case of Georgia

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the process of personal data protection in Georgia within the frame of e-governance, focusing on available legal and technological protecting mechanisms, their practical usage and importance for realizing principles of good governance in the state. The scope of this research is defined by the protection of state databases containing citizen's personal data. Its key legal and technological aspects are identified and analyzed. The potential of proper data protection to act as the enabler of e-governance services success is also evaluated. We explore the defense mechanisms of Georgian governmental entities by conducting interviews with seven experts from the Personal Data Protection Inspectorate and other public entities handling citizens' data. We study citizens' perception of data safety and the citizens' knowledge of existing monitoring mechanisms through analysis of over 400 responses that we have received to our survey. We also analyze and assess the influence of these factors on the success of e-governance and its broad diffusion. Finally, guidelines and recommendations are formulated for raising citizens' awareness on the data protection mechanisms to be used in future theoretical and practical considerations.