Legal aspects of the Semantic Web

Abstract

The Semantic Web is the next stage of the World Wide Web, where data will not only be understood and processed by humans but also by machines. Such technology is developing fast, while legislation is not. The Semantic Web will have a great impact on search engines as it will help in achieving better and more relevant search results. Search results will be customized according to the user's profile, which will have serious consequences to one's privacy. Data Mining will also be affected by Semantic Web technology as better profiles will be generated since data on a particular individual will become more easily accessible to such mining technologies. This will result in further depriving individuals of their privacy. However, Semantic Web technologies can also be beneficial to internet users, because they will allow users to be able to exercise more control over their personal data. This will have an impact on how data controllers obtain consent from data subjects. The Semantic Web will also influence the development of Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents, which will become more autonomous in nature, resulting in uncertainty as to who should be held liable. All this will be discussed throughout the thesis by examining whether present and future legislation is enough to protect us from the effects of the Semantic Web.