The Perfect Match? A Closer Look at the Relationship between EU Consumer Law and Data Protection Law
28 Pages Posted: 9 Oct 2017
Date Written: October 6, 2017
Abstract
In modern markets, many companies offer so-called “free” services and monetize consumer data they collect through those services. This paper argues that consumer law and data protection law can usefully complement each other. Data protection law can also inform the interpretation of consumer law. Using consumer rights, consumers should be able to challenge excessive collection of their personal data. Consumer organizations have used consumer law to tackle data protection infringements. The interplay of data protection law and consumer protection law provides exciting opportunities for a more integrated vision on “data consumer law”.
Keywords: personal data, privacy, data protection, General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR, consumer protection, Consumer Rights Directive, Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, Unfair Contract Terms Directive, Digital Content Directive
JEL Classification: K12, K00, D10, D11, D20, D30, D40, D60, D70, L00, L11, L20, L51
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