This short article is written by Dr. Puranjan Prasad Paul, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, The ICFAI University Tripura
Abstract: The shift into the digital age has utterly transformed the concept of privacy, moving it beyond old-fashioned concerns to face complex new challenges. The core issue is how massive data collection, powerful Artificial Intelligence (AI), and pervasive social media now threaten our personal space. Historically, privacy has evolved from a simple property issue into a recognized fundamental human right. The article highlights key digital dangers: vast surveillance by corporations and governments, the inherent unfairness of algorithmic bias, and the slow erosion of individual freedom through data profiling and the “chilling effect” on free expression. It then examines global legal responses, specifically analyzing the GDPR, the CCPA, and India’s DPDP Act, noting their strengths and weaknesses. To fully protect privacy, the article ultimately proposes a holistic approach involving “privacy-by-design,” demanding more transparency, implementing robust technical safeguards, and fostering international cooperation to secure our data in an interconnected world.
Keywords: Right to Privacy, Digital Privacy, Social Media Privacy, DPDP Act
