Privacy

Privacy refers to the right or ability of individuals or organizations to keep their personal information, communications, and activities confidential and free from unauthorized access or disclosure. It encompasses the control over one’s personal data, including how it is collected, used, and shared. Privacy is increasingly significant in the digital age due to the proliferation of technology and data collection practices that can encroach upon personal space and freedom. It is a fundamental aspect of human rights, allowing people to express themselves freely without fear of surveillance or repercussion. Privacy can apply to various contexts, including personal privacy (such as bodily autonomy and intimate relationships), informational privacy (such as data protection and confidentiality), and social privacy (such as the boundaries of personal interactions). The importance of privacy varies across cultures and legal frameworks, influencing regulations and norms concerning data protection and individual rights.