ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the real effects of digital technology on our personal lives and data privacy. It examines whether privacy is a basic human right. The chapter considers the role of companies, governments and individuals in balancing the personal and practical need for connectivity with the personal and practical need for privacy. It explains the various responsibilities of lawmakers, governments and media companies how to protect citizen privacy. The chapter provides an example of how data given for one reason is repurposed for other uses. It also explains how tech giants are “surveillance intermediaries” and discusses the pros and cons of common surveillance tools. The chapter describes the state of data privacy laws in various regions of the world and explains the reason people share so much personal information online.
