Gemelli digitali e diritto pubblico: tra questioni ricorrenti e nuove sfide
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32091/RIID0266Keywords:
Digital Twin, Data Governance, Data LawAbstract
Digital twins and public law: recurring issues and new challenges
This paper examines the legal perspectives and challenges related to the development and spread of “Digital Twins,” i.e., the mixture of technologies enabling the creation of a “living” virtual replica of objects, processes, or individuals. This paper begins with an in-depth analysis of the definition of Digital Twins, in order to identify their essential features and, therefore, to understand which legal issues (both recurring and novel) may arise from their implementation. This technology is likely to heighten data governance challenges: on the one hand, the efficiency of Digital Twins lies on broad access to and free flow of information; on the other hand, it is essential to ensure full compliance with applicable regulations, especially in relation to (personal and non-personal) data protection and cybersecurity. This paper is meant as a starting point for a deeper reflection on the purpose of Public Law in the development of this technology, according to a legal approach that not only prevents abuses and vulnerabilities, but also steers the spread of Digital Twins in accordance with fundamental rights and collective well-being, balancing protection and innovation.
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