From Privacy to Publicity

The concept of privacy has undergone a dramatic transformation in the digital era, evolving from a fundamental human right to a fragile and contested concept increasingly overshadowed by the rise of publicity and content-sharing. This paper explores the historical development of the right to privacy, tracing its evolution from classical legal thought to contemporary interpretations shaped by rapid technological change. It further delves into the international landscape, examining how various jurisdictions approach privacy in contrast to India's legal framework. A critical analysis of India's privacy laws highlights significant gaps and inconsistencies, especially in light of recent data breaches, surveillance practices, and the widespread use of social media. The paper also addresses emerging challenges posed by artificial intelligence, digital profiling, and content monetization, which blur the lines between personal and public information. In response, the study proposes actionable legal, policy-based, and ethical solutions aimed at strengthening individual privacy while balancing the legitimate interests of public information and digital innovation.