Do People have the right to privacy?

Question

Most people are concerned with their privacy, at least when it comes to their own privacy - but just what is privacy? That's a difficult question to answer, in part because the question of privacy is so complicated and filled with so many contradictions. There are many different kinds of privacy which we may or may not have a right to: right to protect personal data, right to privacy in personal decisions, and so forth. Which, if any, do we really have a right to?

Answer 1

all the above.

Answer 2

The answer is.... in the United States, No.... but we should to some extent. The reality is some countries have laws protecting some aspects of privacy while some do not. In the United States, there are over 25 different laws defining a breach of PII and the appropriate actions at the state level. At the federal level, nothing has been passed as of today (6/14/2006).

There is nothing in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights in the United States that holds privacy as a right. However, the law and definitions of privacy are living things. Who knows what is coming? As for PII breaches and information handling, those laws are coming at the federal level. They may not be what you want them to be and they may not have been timely enough for you, but they are on the way.

To those of you who think that privacy is a right that is guaranteed by laws in the United States, check again. Only a few aspects of privacy are protected and those protections don't extend very far (warrants, just cause, Patriot Act, etc.).

Answer 3

We have a right NOT to be spyed on by our government, we have a right not to have a corporation sell our personal information on websites, we have a right to live our lives without interruption if we are harming no one even if you dont like the way we live our lives. Maybe you dont mind your privacy being invaded but that may be because you dont know what it is that you are giving up. Wait until you do something that is considered a PRIVATE matter and then when it keeps you from getting a job, a home, or is used just to embarrass you, you will probably feel differently.

Answer 4

Of course we have the right to it. Not difficult. The fact is people want to be left the hell alone. Period. End of story. They don't want 9 tons of junk mail per year, they don't want people calling during dinner to sell them some useless something they have no use for. If it is out there, and I need/want it, I will find it and buy it. I do not need some jackass calling me under the lie they are just trying to make a living. Get a job at Sonic! If telephone sales were anything other than a scam don't you think your local retail stores would jump in?

Picture yourself at dinner and Albertsons calls to let you know they have lettuce on sale. Would you drop your fork and drive up there for a head of lettuce? hell no, just like your not going to drop your fork to buy a vaccuum cleaner when you have one or two in the closet that never gets used! What if Best Buy called to let you know the $5000 Pioneer Plasma Flat screen tv was on sale for $4000. Is $4000 now an impulse purchase? Common retailers do not participate because it is a scam driven way of selling products with little to no vaule, use or reliabity.

Too many people and business use ill-logical in their bid to un-seat family values. It's about money, and screw your rights.

Look at it this way. Marketers protest the do not call list saying it was unfair and hurt their business. Now ask yourself. Who is on the do not call list? I am going to say people who DO NOT WANT TO BE CALLED. The government did them a favor! But they are too stupid to see that. Instead they think they have the right to violate your rights in the name of them making a dollar. The fact is, the DNC list saved them time, money and reduced their payroll, and their database is smaller and they have streamlined and become more effient. But they are still upset!

That is the type of person who enjoys violating right to privacy. The fact is it's not about the money. It's about the violation they create. They don't care people don't want to hear from them. Now tell me, is there something wrong with that or what?

Answer 5

Our expectation of the right of privacy comes from the 4th amendment of the US Constitution:

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized


It is a sad state that people are willing to relinquish rights of privacy in the hope of security. All forms of privacy should be respected by law and by peoplle.

Answer 6

We should have the right to privacy in our own homes and vehicles. We should have the right to keep our home lives private at work or school. We should have the right to privacy on our PCs, and on anything we write on paper. Our bills should be private, as should our bank accounts. We should have the right to privacy on our phones (but I've heard that we do not).

Answer 7

The constitution says you have the right to privacy in private unless there is probable cause to believe you're potentially commiting a crime. Once information goes into public (ex. over a phone line) you start having fewer protections, till you get to the public domain (like here where anybody can see it) and you have no protections. Lotta gray area between there & hundreds of supreme court cases to define which is which.

Answer 8

There is a constitutional right to privacy. Read Griswold v. Connecticut, a Supreme Court case, elucidating the right, which is derived through the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Unfortunately, the police state fascists in power are intent on doing everything to undermine this essential right.

Answer 9

We have a right to privacy unless we have given consent for it to be invaded (such as with a credit check). Or if a warrant is granted.

I am sick and tired of these fools saying that it is OK for the government to spy on us if we have nothing to hide.

My father fought in Korea, my grandfather was in WWII, my brother was in the first Gulf war.

I am absolutely NOT willing to give up my constitutional freedoms that Americans like my family members have DIED to protect just because I have nothing to hide.

If the government wants to know more about me than I am willing to share, let them get a warrant and prove they have a reason for getting it. Otherwise, leave my 4th Amendment rights ALONE!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

I would have to say yes to that question. We all need some personal space in our lives. As and individual you have the right to say NO or YES, because that is your space of privacy. Most people enjoy butting in and being noisy, but you still have that right. Just be respectfully about it and I would think people will respect your private space.

Answer 11

We have the right to keep our privacy for ourselves as far as that privacy doesn't concern the government, otherwise it's against the law disrespecting someones privacy!