우리나라 개인정보보호 법제의 개선방안에 관한 연구

In the society of intelligent information, using big data is an irresistible trend. From the industrial perspective, it is required to activate use of big data, whereas from the personal perspective, personal information protection should take precedence over use of big data. Since they are in conflicting positions, there is a dilemma in terms of regulations. Therefore, developed countries improve their legal system for safe use of personal information in the intelligent information society. Cases in points are EU General Data Protection Regulation(GDPR) that came into effect in 2018, and ‘the act on personal information protection’ amended in 2015, in Japan. The US has tried its Federal legalization continuously since 2014. In Korea, Three Data Bills referring to ‘Personal Information Protection Act’, ‘Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection’, and ‘Credit Information Use and Protection Act’ were revised in Feb. 2020, and the revised. The revised acts have been enacted since August of the year. They include concepts of pseudonymous information and anonymous information, and use and expansion of personal information, the enhancement of Personal Information Protection Commission’ presence, and MyData business. Although the revision can help to promote personal information use, there are arguments that personal information protection still falls behind and that it is required to improve insufficiency. In consideration of such a circumstance, this study looks into discussions of personal information protection legalization of the US Federal Government, draws the problems of the revised three data acts, and suggests an improvement plan. Given the role of the US that establishes global digital trade norms, the discussions of the US Federal legalization will be able to provide important implications for improving the legal system of personal information protection in Korea.