privatnosti

Privacy, known as privatnosti in several Slavic languages, refers to the right or ability of individuals to control information about themselves, limit intrusions into personal life, and decide when, how, and with whom information is shared. It covers autonomy over personal space, communications, and data.

The scope includes physical privacy (bodily integrity, home), informational privacy (data collection, storage, use), and communications privacy (calls, messages). In the digital era informational privacy is central due to online tracking and data processing.

Legal frameworks: Privacy rights appear in constitutions and data protection laws. Notable examples include the European Union's GDPR, the California Consumer Privacy Act (and CPRA), and national laws such as Canada's Privacy Act or PIPEDA. They typically require lawful bases for processing, purpose limitation, data minimization, security, and transparency.

Rights and protections: Individuals may access, correct, delete, restrict, or port their data; object to processing; withdraw consent. Organizations should apply privacy by design, conduct impact assessments, and implement security measures.

Challenges: Digital technologies enable pervasive data collection through cookies, analytics, location data, and biometrics. Data breaches and cross-border transfers raise risks; safeguards include encryption, pseudonymization, privacy-enhancing technologies, and robust governance.

Conclusion: Privacy is a dynamic field shaped by technology, law, and societal values, seeking to balance individual rights with legitimate interests of organizations and governments.