, SJD1501 Assignment 7 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
1 2025 (897060) - DUE 22 May 2025; correct solutions and
explanations.
1.1 The impact of social media on the constitutional right to
Privacy (125 words)
The rise of social media has significantly complicated the
constitutional right to privacy as enshrined in section 14 of the
South African Constitution. While individuals are entitled to
control access to their personal information, platforms like
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram often blur the lines between
public and private domains. Users may unknowingly consent to
the dissemination of private information, and once shared
online, control over that data is largely lost. Furthermore, private
individuals can be subjected to surveillance, data mining, and
even cyber harassment, diminishing the right to privacy. In court
cases such as H v W, the judiciary has recognized that digital
interactions demand new interpretations of legal protections.
Social media thus presents a challenge to maintaining privacy in
a hyper-connected world where boundaries are easily breached.
1.2 The impact of social media on the constitutional right to
Freedom of expression (125 words)
Social media has amplified the exercise of the constitutional
right to freedom of expression under section 16 of the
Constitution. These platforms allow individuals to express
political views, artistic creativity, and personal opinions with
unprecedented reach and immediacy. However, this expanded
capacity has also raised concerns about hate speech,
misinformation, and the limits of expression. While social media
1 2025 (897060) - DUE 22 May 2025; correct solutions and
explanations.
1.1 The impact of social media on the constitutional right to
Privacy (125 words)
The rise of social media has significantly complicated the
constitutional right to privacy as enshrined in section 14 of the
South African Constitution. While individuals are entitled to
control access to their personal information, platforms like
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram often blur the lines between
public and private domains. Users may unknowingly consent to
the dissemination of private information, and once shared
online, control over that data is largely lost. Furthermore, private
individuals can be subjected to surveillance, data mining, and
even cyber harassment, diminishing the right to privacy. In court
cases such as H v W, the judiciary has recognized that digital
interactions demand new interpretations of legal protections.
Social media thus presents a challenge to maintaining privacy in
a hyper-connected world where boundaries are easily breached.
1.2 The impact of social media on the constitutional right to
Freedom of expression (125 words)
Social media has amplified the exercise of the constitutional
right to freedom of expression under section 16 of the
Constitution. These platforms allow individuals to express
political views, artistic creativity, and personal opinions with
unprecedented reach and immediacy. However, this expanded
capacity has also raised concerns about hate speech,
misinformation, and the limits of expression. While social media
