Susanna Lindroos-Hovinheimo: Without research, ideologies that influence law are easily overlooked

Over the last decade, the prevalence of privacy protection has grown enormously. Susanna Lindroos-Hovinheimo examines the phenomenon from the perspective of the EU’s data protection regulations.

What are your research topics?

I study the role of law in society by investigating how it shapes society and what kind of power structures it supports. Currently, my research is particularly focused on law in the European Union.

Where and how does the topic of your research have an impact?

Increasing knowledge related to law is necessary for increasing fairness in society.

Anyone who applies law also interprets it. Through research, we are able to critically observe ideologies that have an impact on legal decisions. Without research, they might easily be overlooked.

By uncovering what goes on beneath the surface of law, we can, among other things, pay attention to whether judges’ legal interpretation corresponds to the values society aims to uphold.

What is particularly inspiring in your field right now?

At the moment, I am particularly inspired by the right to privacy. Over the last decade, the prevalence of privacy protection has grown enormously. I wish to investigate philosophical and ideological background assumptions that influence the EU’s new regulatory activities related to data protection.

 

Susanna Lindroos-Hovinheimo is the professor of public law at the Faculty of Law.

Read Susanna Lindroos-Hovinheimo’s views on the EU’s data protection practices.

Read more about Lindroos-Hovinheimo’s research group Reconfiguring Privacy.

Get to know the other new professors.