Losing Privacy

People lose their right to privacy every single day. Personal and intimate aspects of human life are showcased now and then to an unrestrained number of spectators. The dignity of the unsuspecting subject becomes nothing more than a form of entertainment. Down the line, the individual loses control not only of the access but also the imagery that may be derived from the myriad of unqualified information. Most of all, he loses, quoting J. Brandeis in Olmstead v. U.S., his “right to be left alone”.

Like a painting, a single picture can convey a thousand meanings. These interpretations create appearances. Appearances, in turn, lead to impressions. These mental images color the way we see a person. Thus, in human interactions, we no longer proceed from perceptions but from inaccurate belief of a person. This, without explaining any further, is dangerous.

The law is designed to afford protection. It works best if what is to be protected is clear. The concept of privacy, unfortunately, is not plain. However, that does not translate to its inexistence. Otherwise, we would be saying the same things about freedom, justice, and love. Like those, we cannot afford to lose privacy.