A Study on the Conflict Between the Right to Personal Data and the Right to Trade Secrets

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student in International Trade and Investment Law, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Law, University of Tehran, Iran

10.22034/law.2026.68716.3521

Abstract

With the growing use of personal data in commercial processes, the conflict between individuals’ rights to their personal data and the rights of trade secret holders has emerged as a novel challenge in the field of technology and data law. In many cases, personal data, such as customer lists, behavioral preferences, or purchase histories, are treated as strategic assets within the framework of corporate trade secrets. On the other hand, data subjects enjoy rights such as access, portability, and erasure of their data, which may conflict with confidentiality obligations and the competitive interests of companies. This raises a fundamental legal question: in cases of conflict between the right to personal data and the right to protect trade secrets, how can a fair and balanced legal solution be achieved? This article adopts a descriptive-analytical approach based on library sources to explore this tension. It analyzes relevant domestic and international regulations and seeks to propose solutions for balancing data transparency with commercial confidentiality. The findings suggest that neither right takes absolute precedence over the other, and that mechanisms such as data pseudonymization, limited access, and case-by-case assessments may provide practical grounds for resolving these conflicts.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Jurisprudence and Islamic Law
Volume 17, Issue 42
March 2026
Pages 149-185

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