User-centric identity management as an indispensable tool for privacy protection Online publication date: Wed, 26-Nov-2008
by Ronald E. Leenes
International Journal of Intellectual Property Management (IJIPM), Vol. 2, No. 4, 2008
Abstract: Informational privacy is under siege on the internet. One particular type of privacy threat relates to our digital personae, the digital representations of our identity. The abundant use of identifiers online facilitates the connection of personal data and behavioural patterns from various sources to the rich digital personae of internet users. These digital profiles can then be used for good (e.g., personalised services) and bad (e.g., discrimination). The negative use of profiles affects fundamental rights and values, but also undermines the individual's capability to maintain different (public) images, which is essential in social life. This paper, after discussing the underlying threats and the regulatory framework, argues that legal instruments are insufficient in countering the current threats. Internet users will have to take an active role in protecting their own identities. The paper explores the role that privacy-enhancing technologies can play in this respect.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Intellectual Property Management (IJIPM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook