Consecration of Personal Data Protection Right in Algerian Law.

Abstract

Most countries worldwide have become aware of the risks arising from the technological revolution, through which personal information and data have become the monopoly of large corporations. The situation has worsened to the point that personal data is now the subject of commercial transactions—bought and sold—without the knowledge or consent of the individual concerned.

The Algerian Constitution, as amended by the revision of 2016 and the latest revision of 2020 via Presidential Decree No. 20-442 of December 30, 2020, enshrines the right to the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data.

Indeed, pursuant to Article 47, paragraph 4 of the Constitution, such protection has been established as a fundamental right. Consequently, in addition to the right of every individual to the protection of their private life, the Basic Law guarantees the protection of individuals in the processing of their personal data.

In furtherance of this fundamental right, Law No. 18-07 of June 10, 2018—as amended and supplemented by Law No. 25-11 of July 24, 2025, relating to the protection of natural persons in the processing of personal data—prescribes the principles and conditions for the implementation of this protection.

 Furthermore, a National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data has been established to ensure that data processing complies with statutory provisions and that the use of information and communication technologies does not infringe upon individual rights, public liberties, or the right to privacy.