Protection of personal data of persons participating in criminal proceedings

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the issues of personal data protection of persons involved in criminal proceedings, taking into account modern challenges related to the digitalization of criminal justice and the increasing circulation of personal information. It is substantiated that personal data of participants in criminal proceedings constitute a special category of information, the processing of which requires enhanced legal safeguards due to the risks of violation of the right to privacy, secondary victimization, and unlawful disclosure.

The study examines the theoretical and legal foundations of personal data protection in criminal procedure, as well as the current legislation of Ukraine regulating personal data protection and criminal procedural relations. Particular attention is paid to the practice of applying confidentiality requirements during pre-trial investigation and judicial proceedings, including the use of digital and electronic evidence.

Based on the analysis of scholarly publications in Ukrainian professional legal journals (Category B), as well as international research and European standards of personal data protection, the main shortcomings of legal regulation and law enforcement practice are identified. The article concludes that there is a need to improve procedural mechanisms for protecting personal data of participants in criminal proceedings, taking into account the principles of legality, proportionality, and minimization of interference with private life. Directions for further development of legal regulation and its practical implementation are proposed.