The rapidly changing technology significantly affected and expanded the power and the controlling capacities of States and companies over individuals, with direct implications for privacy. Alongside these new capacities, new controversial judicial questions arise, related to the collection, storage, access, exploitation, and mass analysis of data. Along with new technical powers and uses arise controversial legal issues such as the constitutionality of data retention for law enforcement purposes, the extent of the authority to access communications data, the limits of obligations to assist law enforcement by encryption-based services, and the accountability mechanisms affecting intelligence agencies. As for companies, other controversial issues arise, such as defining the rights of data owners and the duties of companies that engage in the analysis of personal data. This research area aims to develop studies and promote a qualified debate about these issues.