The current dominant libertarian understanding of privacy that revolves around individualism only serves the status quo. Not only does this approach fails to recognise that privacy violations have a compounding effects that reverberates beyond the individual, it also neglects the systemic inequalities that technology and data practices perpetuate. Reconceptualising privacy demands a communal approach wherein collective action is prioritised over isolation. As the problem of privacy is inherently social, so too must be its solution. Definitely, one that is rooted in collective responsibility, social justice and not just the good old ‘me’ approach. Instead of questioning why someone whose privacy has been breached didn't take certain actions, we need to question why those actions were necessary to begin with. Reframe your questions and challenge the norm that places the burden of privacy on individuals alone. And as we ponder the complexities of digital privacy, let’s not forget that our choices, too, echo beyond ourselves.
I blog at blog.classstruggle.tech, if ever you're keen to hear more of my ramblings.
