, SJD1501 Assignment 7
Semester 2 2025
DUE 10 November 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
Question 1
1.1 What is the impact of social media on the constitutional right to Privacy (125
words) 5 marks
Social media has significantly reshaped the constitutional right to privacy. By its
nature, these platforms encourage users to share personal information, often
beyond what they realise, exposing them to surveillance by governments,
employers, marketers and even criminals. The boundary between private and
public life becomes blurred, making it harder to claim a reasonable expectation of
privacy once information is voluntarily posted online. Data collection, tracking,
facial recognition and algorithmic profiling further threaten privacy. However,
privacy can still be protected if laws and courts adapt, for example by imposing
strict data-protection standards, informed consent and stronger remedies for
breaches. Thus, social media both undermines and redefines privacy, demanding a
more dynamic interpretation of constitutional protections.
1.2 What is the impact of social media on the constitutional right to Freedom of
expression (125 words) 5 marks
Social media has expanded the exercise of the constitutional right to freedom of
expression by giving ordinary people instant, global platforms to express opinions,
mobilise, and challenge authority. It lowers barriers to participation in public
discourse and enables diverse voices to be heard. However, it also creates new
limits and risks. Platform policies, algorithms and content moderation can
suppress speech or favour certain viewpoints. States may use social media to
monitor dissent, spread propaganda or prosecute online speech, creating a chilling
effect. Additionally, online harassment, hate speech and misinformation can harm
others’ rights and justify regulatory interventions. Therefore, social media both
Semester 2 2025
DUE 10 November 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
Question 1
1.1 What is the impact of social media on the constitutional right to Privacy (125
words) 5 marks
Social media has significantly reshaped the constitutional right to privacy. By its
nature, these platforms encourage users to share personal information, often
beyond what they realise, exposing them to surveillance by governments,
employers, marketers and even criminals. The boundary between private and
public life becomes blurred, making it harder to claim a reasonable expectation of
privacy once information is voluntarily posted online. Data collection, tracking,
facial recognition and algorithmic profiling further threaten privacy. However,
privacy can still be protected if laws and courts adapt, for example by imposing
strict data-protection standards, informed consent and stronger remedies for
breaches. Thus, social media both undermines and redefines privacy, demanding a
more dynamic interpretation of constitutional protections.
1.2 What is the impact of social media on the constitutional right to Freedom of
expression (125 words) 5 marks
Social media has expanded the exercise of the constitutional right to freedom of
expression by giving ordinary people instant, global platforms to express opinions,
mobilise, and challenge authority. It lowers barriers to participation in public
discourse and enables diverse voices to be heard. However, it also creates new
limits and risks. Platform policies, algorithms and content moderation can
suppress speech or favour certain viewpoints. States may use social media to
monitor dissent, spread propaganda or prosecute online speech, creating a chilling
effect. Additionally, online harassment, hate speech and misinformation can harm
others’ rights and justify regulatory interventions. Therefore, social media both
