Right to Privacy- Evolution Need and Future

July 21, 2022

An essential component of the concept of ‘privacy’ is need of autonomy and protection of human dignity, serving as the foundation upon which many other human rights are built.

Privacy allows humans to draw boundaries which eliminate the factor of intervention in matters of personal space, allowing them to develop self-identity and choose how to live and whom to interact with. When it comes to expand the definition of ‘privacy’ for state, it protects citizens from unjustified use of power by states and other factors.

Is Privacy A Human Right?

In Law Colleges in Jaipur, Privacy as a human right is taught. It is a fundamental human right. The right to privacy is articulated in all of the major international and regional human rights instruments.

It is vital to understand that it is also a qualified right. That means it is not absolute, and can be interfered with in certain situations, for example to protect national security or freedom of expression, the right can be put onto a reasonable hold.

Why Does the Right to Privacy Matter Now?

There have been instances in the past showing that privacy is violated by companies and state. Technological developments have increased the capabilities to protect privacy, and technical capabilities now exist for surveillance and interference in citizens’ personal spaces too.

What Can Be Done?

Taking this into consideration and in collaboration with other organizations across the world, fact-finding research should be conducted to strengthen the protection of the right to privacy.

In India, various government initiatives have been taken to encourage right to privacy. Special lecture sessions are held at law colleges in Jaipur where various aspects of privacy are discussed.

Personal Data Protection Bill-

It provides for protection of privacy of individuals relating to their Personal Data and to establish a Data Protection Authority of India for matters concerning the personal data of an individual.

Information Technology Act-

It provides for safeguard against certain breaches in relation to data from computer systems. It contains provisions to prevent the unauthorized use of computers, computer systems and data stored therein.

Futuristic Perspective-

The Parliament and the Supreme court should engage in a detailed analysis of need and aims of evolving a mechanism for balancing the conflicting rights of privacy and freedom of expression. In this digital age, data is a valuable resource that should be regulated. In this context, the time is right for the government of India to draw a robust data protection regime.

As students of Law studying in Law colleges in Jaipur, you should deliberately and critically think on the matter and form an independent opinion.