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Strict liability versus negligence in the case of data breach

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  • Jun, Jooyong
  • Kim, Jeong-Yoo

Abstract

This study compares the efficiency of the strict liability and negligence rules in the case of a data breach. Contrary to standard results, we demonstrate that the strict liability rule cannot induce the efficient activity and care levels of a data controller. This is mainly due to possible positive externalities from data breaches, unlike in usual tort cases. We show that the negligence rule is more efficient than the strict liability rule if the positive externality is sufficiently large. The main insight is carried over to the case where a data controller uses a data processor to process personal information before selling it in the market. If hackers are explicitly introduced into the model, the care level of the data controller increases with the hacking activity, whereas the latter level decreases with the former. In this model, if the hacker’s gain is sufficiently small, the negligence rule can be made more efficient by adjusting due care to a harsher level than the equilibrium care level under strict liability to reduce hacking activity, although a pure strategy equilibrium may not exist for some due care levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun, Jooyong & Kim, Jeong-Yoo, 2024. "Strict liability versus negligence in the case of data breach," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:irlaec:v:79:y:2024:i:c:s0144818824000383
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irle.2024.106218
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew F. Daughety & Jennifer F. Reinganum, 2018. "Market structure, liability, and product safety," Chapters, in: Luis C. Corchón & Marco A. Marini (ed.), Handbook of Game Theory and Industrial Organization, Volume II, chapter 9, pages 225-247, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    2. Jeong-Yoo Kim, 2006. "Strict liability versus negligence when the injurer's activity involves positive externalities," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 95-104, July.
    3. Murat C. Mungan, 2017. "Conditional Privacy Rights," Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics (JITE), Mohr Siebeck, Tübingen, vol. 173(1), pages 114-131, March.
    4. Polinsky, A Mitchell, 1980. "Strict Liability vs. Negligence in a Market Setting," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 70(2), pages 363-367, May.
    5. Dari-Mattiacci, Giuseppe & Schafer, Hans-Bernd, 2007. "The core of pure economic loss," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 8-28, March.
    6. Joseph E. Stiglitz, 2000. "The Contributions of the Economics of Information to Twentieth Century Economics," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 115(4), pages 1441-1478.
    7. Baumann, Florian & Friehe, Tim, 2021. "Products liability, consumer misperceptions, and the allocation of consumers to firms," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    8. James Campbell & Avi Goldfarb & Catherine Tucker, 2015. "Privacy Regulation and Market Structure," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(1), pages 47-73, March.
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