The right to privacy and the protection of patients' personal data

Abstract

Globalization and accelerated technological development have led to new challenges in the protection of personal data. The Internet holds vast amounts of information, which at any moment is at risk of potential misuse on various websites, social networks, and platforms. The adoption of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) marked a significant step in addressing this issue. Data related to the health sector-specifically, patients' personal data-are particularly sensitive. The concept of personal rights and their protection stems from the belief in universal values that apply to every individual. Safeguarding patient privacy is essential for preserving freedom and upholding fundamental human rights. It is crucial to define the scope and limitations of this protection, balancing the legitimate interests of third parties, society, and the state on one side, with the individual rights and interests of the patient on the other. In this context, recent amendments in European and Serbian legislation regarding personal data protection represent a cornerstone for this research, which holds significance for both legal and medical science, as well as practical application.