OntoPriv: Enhancing Understanding and Compliance in Privacy Legislation via Legal Ontologies

Protecting personal data has become a critical concern in an increasingly digitized world. Consequently, governments have proposed regulations to protect the privacy of their citizens. Organizations that handle personal information must adhere to these regulations. However, achieving compliance with these regulations is not straightforward, and a structured approach is needed to interpret, implement, and maintain adherence to them, given their complexity. To overcome these challenges, we introduce OntoPriv, a legal ontology designed to facilitate compliance with data protection regulations. OntoPriv provides a structured representation of legal knowledge, enabling organizations to better understand regulatory requirements, identify relevant obligations, and establish adequate data protection practices. This article discusses the development, implementation, and evaluation of OntoPriv and explores its potential impact on enhancing compliance and promoting a culture of privacy and accountability within organizations.