Cybersecurity and data protection: an ambivalent relationship

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between data protection and cybersecurity in light of its evolution. In particular, data protection was initially and traditionally conceived as a parameter of legitimacy of investigative activity functional to the protection of cybersecurity. However, this declination of the relationship between these two legal interests, in antagonistic terms, allowed a more interesting synergy to emerge shortly thereafter. Indeed, it was understood how, on the ground of the relationship between security (including cybersecurity) and data protection, a crucial challenge for democracy is played out: that of combining both in order to be more effective, not less free.