Online disaster management: Applicability of the European data protection framework and its key principles

D. Dimitrova, L. Jasmontaite, “Online disaster management: Applicability of the European data protection framework and its key principles”, Special Issue for Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 2016

DOI: 10.1111/1468-5973.12142 

AbstractThe availability of applications that could be used by first responders and citizens in emergency situations has been constantly increasing over the past years. This trend is predetermined by the fact that various applications facilitate situational awareness and optimize data exchange between multiple actors. Yet the use of new technologies should be considered in the context of the applicable legal framework. Therefore, in this contribution, we discuss the applicability of the European data protection framework and its key principles related to online disaster management, and in particular, the processing of personal data when responding to disasters. The contribution provides examples of issues arising from the use of mobile apps.