DOI: 10.47743/jss-2025-71-3-1

Faculty of Law, ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi

Abstract: This article begins from the fundamental premise that the right to privacy (especially its component of personal data protection) is a core value of the European Union, one that increasingly comes under pressure as smart cities expand and digital technologies become ever more invasive. The analysis starts from the European regulatory framework, with a focus on the General Data Protection Regulation, and examines the implementation of the framework into the digitalization strategies adopted at the local level. The study highlights major challenges such as excessive surveillance of public space, the opacity of decision-making processes and the lack of significant details regarding data processing. By analyzing a case study, the article aims to highlight the imperative need for clear regulation and implementation of European principles, to ensure that technological innovation is not carried out to the detriment of citizens' privacy.

Keywords: smart cities, digital governance, artificial intelligence, video surveillance

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