The Ethics of Privacy and Surveillance

Privacy is essential for protecting individual and collective well-being, yet it has not received the attention it deserves in philosophy. With the spread of machine learning and the trade of personal data, it is time for philosophy to take a closer look at privacy. This book aims to contribute to a better understanding of privacy by addressing five basic questions: where it comes from, what it is, why it matters, what we should do about it, and where we are now.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Privacy is a crucial aspect of human existence, as it serves as a protective shield against potential abuses of power. Just as human beings require community and social interaction, they also need privacy to safeguard their personal and intimate aspects of life. Our inherent need for socialization often comes with risks and burdens, leading to the desire for spaces and time away from others. Imposing surveillance upon someone is an act of domination, undermining the foundations of democracy.

Surveillance has the potential to erode trust, undermine individual autonomy, and violate privacy rights. It can lead to a sense of insecurity, suspicion, and control, ultimately hindering the development of healthy and democratic societies.

Despite the importance of privacy, it has not received the attention it deserves in philosophical discourse. The philosophical literature on privacy and surveillance is relatively limited compared to other areas such as justice, autonomy, or equality. This may be due to the fact that privacy norms have been relatively strong in most societies for the past two centuries, and there has not been a significant need for invasive technologies to violate privacy. As a result, privacy has been considered a non-issue or a matter of personal preference rather than a fundamental right.

However, with the rapid spread of machine learning, a type of AI that relies heavily on personal data, and the emergence of a thriving industry dedicated to the trade of personal data, it is time for philosophy to take a closer look at privacy. The increasing reliance on technology and the accumulation of vast amounts of personal information raise new questions and challenges regarding privacy.

This book aims to contribute to a better understanding of privacy from a philosophical perspective. It addresses five fundamental questions about privacy:

Where does privacy come from?
What is privacy?
Why does privacy matter?
What are the risks and benefits of privacy?
How can we protect privacy in the digital age?

In Part I, we explore the origins of privacy and its historical development. We examine the philosophical and legal frameworks that have shaped our understanding of privacy and discuss the role of privacy in different cultures and societies.

In Part II, we define privacy and examine its various dimensions. We explore the concept of personal autonomy, the right to control one's information, and the importance of privacy in maintaining personal dignity and integrity.

In Part III, we examine the reasons why privacy matters. We explore the psychological and social benefits of privacy, such as self-expression, self-discovery, and the development of trust and intimacy. We also discuss the risks and burdens associated with privacy loss, such as surveillance, discrimination, and the erosion of personal autonomy.

In Part IV, we explore the risks and benefits of privacy in the digital age. We examine the challenges posed by the increasing use of technology and the Internet, such as data breaches, surveillance capitalism, and the erosion of privacy rights. We also discuss the potential benefits of digital technologies, such as privacy-enhancing technologies and the potential for greater transparency and accountability.

In Part V, we discuss the ways in which we can protect privacy in the digital age. We explore the role of individuals, governments, and technology companies in protecting privacy and discuss the need for robust privacy laws, regulations, and policies. We also discuss the importance of education and awareness-raising about privacy rights and the dangers of privacy loss.

In conclusion, privacy is a fundamental human right that plays a crucial role in protecting individual and collective well-being. The spread of machine learning, the increasing use of personal data, and the rise of surveillance capitalism have highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of privacy from a philosophical perspective. This book aims to contribute to a better understanding of privacy by exploring its origins, dimensions, reasons why it matters, risks and benefits, and ways to protect it in the digital age. By examining these questions, we can develop a more nuanced and informed approach to privacy that recognizes its importance as a cornerstone of democratic societies and human rights.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198870173