The right to privacy is a fundamental human right that protects individuals' personal information and freedom
from unwarranted intrusion. It evolved from legal traditions, gaining formal recognition with key
developments such as the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1965 U.S. Supreme Court
case Griswold v. Connecticut. In the digital age, privacy concerns focus on data protection, with laws like the
GDPR and CCPA addressing these challenges. Balancing privacy with security remains a complex issue, as
privacy rights continue to evolve alongside technological advancements.
The right to privacy safeguards personal autonomy and protects individuals from unwarranted interference by
governments, corporations, or other entities. Historically, it gained prominence in the late 19th century, with
Louis Brandeis and Samuel Warren's landmark article, "The Right to Privacy," which called for protections
against the press and technological advances like photography. Internationally, the 1948 Universal
Declaration of Human Rights enshrined privacy protections, while in the U.S., the right was recognized
through Supreme Court decisions like Griswold v. Connecticut and Roe v. Wade. As technology advanced,
privacy concerns shifted to digital data, with laws like the GDPR and CCPA offering more control over
personal data. However, the balance between privacy and security remains a challenge, especially in areas
like national security and surveillance, highlighting the need for ongoing legal adaptations to safeguard
privacy in an increasingly digital world.