Abstract

Our modern information societies are also –and especially– personal information societies. The collection of personal data has become the key asset for the development of digital markets. Even more, the way in which now people perceive and manage their privacy totally contrasts with the situation just a few years ago. Although these social transformations have accelerated recently, the process of modification of the scenario contextualising the use and value of personal information is ongoing for half a century. By means of the analysis of academic literature on the topic, this article describes such an evolution as well as the current interests of companies, citizens and public administrations regarding the disclosure and use of personal information.