From Consent to Accountability: Legal Approaches to Data Subject Rights in the Context of Global Privacy Regulations

Abstract

In the digital era, the protection of personal data has emerged as a critical issue, prompting the development of robust privacy regulations aimed at safeguarding data subject rights. This article explores the evolution of legal frameworks for data protection, emphasizing the shift from traditional consent-based models to accountability-driven approaches in global privacy regulations. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is examined as the gold standard for privacy laws, with a focus on its provisions related to consent, transparency, and organizational accountability. The article also compares the GDPR with other regional frameworks, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), highlighting the similarities and differences in their approaches to consent and accountability. Additionally, the challenges associated with enforcing data subject rights across borders are discussed, with attention to jurisdictional issues, cultural differences, and the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data. The article concludes by proposing future directions for enhancing accountability in privacy regulations, including innovations in enforcement mechanisms and the potential for global harmonization of privacy laws. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the need for a dynamic, adaptable legal framework that empowers data subjects and holds organizations accountable for their data processing practices, ensuring a more secure and transparent digital ecosystem.