Databases in the electronic identification and authentication system: Lawful use of personal data

Abstract

Member states of EU have built electronic systems for citizens in order to ease the use of public administration systems. While Member states have already collected vast amount of personal data for identification and authentication in the physical world, they continue to collect data for identification and authentication in digital environment. The game changer was the new legislation on the protection of personal data – GDPR. The result of adaptation to the new digital world through electronic systems is the existence of limitless databases containing personal data of citizens. What are the rights of citizens and Member States to these databases in terms of Copyright? The article explores possible challenges to be faced with by Member states and citizens in relation to databases consisting of personal data from perspective of Copyright.