Regulating personal data in a shared world: limitations of the EU's approach to data protection

A personalized interaction, in an increasingly information-rich environment, is increasingly unlikely to be shaped by information about only the persons directly involved. As data about others is related to an individual, and perceptions about that individual formed accordingly, it is important that data-protection regulation takes into account the shared nature of personal data. The European Data Protection Directive provides an important standard for data sharing between countries. Therefore, it is essential to realize any limitations in its approach when data might be said to relate to more than one person. The need to address any such limitation becomes all the more urgent as more genetic databases and biobanks are established around the world and movements are made towards data sharing between them. Not only is it important that the regulation of genetic data takes into account its shared nature, but as international collaboration relies upon agreed standards, it is important that it does so quickly.