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    Title: The Right To Privacy: A Cornerstone of Democratic Society

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    Title: The Right To Privacy: A Cornerstone of Democratic Society

    Uploaded by

    guptaarya2001
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    Title: The Right To Privacy: A Cornerstone of Democratic Society

    Uploaded by

    guptaarya2001

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    Title: The Right to Privacy: A Cornerstone of Democratic Society

    Introduction

    Today, I stand before you to discuss a fundamental aspect of our democratic


    society: the right to privacy. This right is intrinsic to human dignity and personal
    autonomy, forming the bedrock upon which many other rights and freedoms
    stand. As we navigate through an era of unprecedented technological
    advancements and increasing state surveillance, it becomes crucial to protect
    our right to privacy.

    The Essence of Privacy

    Privacy is not merely about hiding information; it is about safeguarding our


    personal space, thoughts, and experiences from unwarranted intrusion. It
    enables individuals to think freely, speak openly, and live authentically without
    fear of constant surveillance. It is the right to be left alone, to control personal
    information, and to maintain a sphere of autonomy where one can experiment
    with ideas and personal development.

    Legal Foundations

    The right to privacy is enshrined in various international human rights


    instruments. Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and
    Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights both
    underscore the importance of protecting individuals from arbitrary
    interference with their privacy, family, home, or correspondence.

    In the United States, while the Constitution does not explicitly mention privacy,
    the Supreme Court has interpreted various amendments to imply this right.
    Landmark cases such as Griswold v. Connecticut and Roe v. Wade have been
    pivotal in affirming privacy as a constitutional right.

    Challenges in the Digital Age

    The digital revolution has transformed the way we communicate, work, and
    live, but it has also brought significant challenges to our privacy. The collection,
    storage, and analysis of vast amounts of personal data by governments and
    corporations pose serious threats to our privacy. Social media platforms, search
    engines, and smart devices often operate with minimal transparency, leaving
    users vulnerable to data breaches and misuse of personal information.

    Mass surveillance programs, justified on grounds of national security, further


    erode our privacy. While security is undoubtedly important, it should not come
    at the expense of our fundamental rights.

    The Evolution of Privacy Rights in India

    Historically, the Indian Constitution did not explicitly guarantee the right to
    privacy. However, over the years, judicial interpretations have significantly
    expanded the scope of our fundamental rights to include privacy.

    The landmark judgment in K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017) was a
    watershed moment. The Supreme Court of India unequivocally declared that
    the right to privacy is a fundamental right, intrinsic to the right to life and
    personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. This judgment
    underscored the importance of privacy in safeguarding individual autonomy
    and dignity.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the right to privacy is a cornerstone of a free and democratic


    society. By strengthening legal protections, promoting transparency, and
    empowering individuals, we can ensure that privacy remains a cherished and
    protected value in our society.

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