Privacy

Is there a danger that we might wake up one day to find that the right to privacy has disappeared? An article published in The Guardian on June 5, 2013, based on information leaked by NSA employee Edward Snowden, showed that the surveillance society was no longer a dystopian future. But how aware are we of this reality? Are we conscious of the problems it entails and the consequences it leads to?

In the 21st century, we are consumers of digital services offered by official state institutions, social media companies, banks, and so on. The dangerous companionship of fear caused by the threat of international terrorism has led to an understanding attitude towards surveillance under the pretext of national security. Moreover, trying to live an analog life outside of these digital networks that permeate all aspects of life, in order to protect your right to privacy, might result in attracting more attention; because trying not to leave an electronic trace means taking on a lot of hassle.

Privacy: Private Life in the Digital Society explains how new technologies directly threaten our private lives. It addresses the legal regulations needed to better protect our private lives, which are violated as our personal data is recorded and shared with intelligence agencies and marketed to commercial companies. It also discusses how to establish a balance that both values privacy and allows for the development of useful digital tools and services.

*Eirik Løkke works as a consultant at Civita, an independent think tank.