Comparative Insights from the EU’s GDPR and China’s PIPL for Advancing Personal Data Protection Legislation

Abstract

The article outlines the fundamental principles of personal data protection and the legal frameworks that safeguard individuals in the ever-evolving digital world. By examining the regulatory frameworks, strategies, and outcomes of the European Union and China, the study aims to provide insightful lessons and potential best practices that can be adapted to suit specific national contexts. Additionally, it discusses the challenges with interpreting, applying, and enforcing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the EU and the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) of China. Finally, it highlights the features of the PIPL, which is the country's first comprehensive law controlling the protection of personal information comprehensively. The constant comparative method guided the data analysis, which was based on the publications from the official documents of two respective states, which in turn served as the main source to compile the content of the research. It shows the difficulties and shortfalls of both legislations and offers comparative ideas from China's PIPL and the EU's GDPR for advancing personal data protection laws. Concluding remarks highlight the need for continual discussion and revision of legal frameworks to reconcile the benefits of technological advancement with the defense of fundamental rights in digital space.