Privacy is fundamentally about power
In an age of enormous digital connectivity and data proliferation, privacy has emerged as a critical concept in the areas of personal liberty, societal dynamics, and technological progress. There is a profound connection between privacy, power, and sovereignty. Privacy is not merely a luxury or a preference, but a fundamental form of power and sovereignty that is essential to individual autonomy, social balance, and the health of democratic societies.
Unfortunately, the USA is no longer a democratic society, it is a post-Constitutional authoritarian form of inverted totalitarianism, owned and operated by oligarchs and large corporations.
Privacy as Power
The concept of privacy is deeply rooted in the idea of individual autonomy, a cornerstone of modern Western philosophy. John Stuart Mill argued for the importance of personal liberty, asserting that individuals should have sovereignty over their own minds and bodies. Privacy, is the practical manifestation of this sovereignty—the ability to control information about oneself and to make decisions without undue external influence or coercion.
The power inherent in privacy becomes evident when we consider the alternative: a state of constant surveillance and exposure. The Panopticon, a theoretical prison design where inmates are potentially always visible to guards but unable to know when they are being watched, provides a potent metaphor for understanding the power dynamics of privacy. In such a system, the mere possibility of being observed alters behavior, effectively controlling individuals without the need for direct intervention. Privacy, then, represents the power to escape this controlling gaze, to have moments of unobserved, uninfluenced existence.
Furthermore, privacy enables the development and expression of individual identity. As philosophers like Sissela Bok have argued, privacy is essential for personal growth, creativity, and the formation of intimate relationships. It provides the space necessary for self-reflection, experimentation with ideas, and the development of one's unique personhood. Privacy empowers individuals to shape their own identities and narratives, rather than having them imposed by external forces.
Privacy as Social Power
From a sociological standpoint, privacy can be understood as a form of social power - the ability to control one's interactions and presentations in various social contexts. Erving Goffman's work on the presentation of self in everyday life discusses the importance of being able to manage different social "faces" or personas. Privacy allows individuals to maintain these different facets of their identity, choosing what to reveal and to whom, thereby maintaining social boundaries and managing relationships.
Moreover, privacy serves as a buffer against social pressure and conformity. In a world where every action and thought is potentially subject to public scrutiny, the pressure to conform to societal norms can be overwhelming. Privacy provides a sanctuary where individuals can explore ideas, behaviors, and identities that may deviate from these norms without fear of immediate judgment or repercussion. This is crucial for social progress and innovation, as it allows for the incubation of new ideas and ways of being that may eventually challenge and reshape society.
The power dynamics of privacy also play out on a broader societal level. Access to privacy often correlates with social and economic status, with the poor and lower classes frequently experiencing less privacy. This disparity in privacy can reinforce existing power structures and exacerbate social inequalities. Recognizing privacy as a form of power highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to privacy as a matter of social justice.
Technological Advancements and the Shifting Landscape of Privacy
The rapid advancement of technology has dramatically altered the landscape of privacy, simultaneously enhancing our ability to protect personal information and creating unprecedented challenges to privacy. The rise of big data, machine learning, and ubiquitous surveillance technologies has created a world where vast amounts of personal information can be collected, analyzed, and exploited with ease.
Privacy becomes a form of technological power—the ability to understand, control, and protect one's digital footprint. Those who possess the knowledge and tools to safeguard their digital privacy wield significant power in the information age. They can more effectively control their personal narratives, protect themselves from manipulation and exploitation, and maintain a degree of anonymity in an increasingly interconnected world.
The loss of privacy can lead to a significant power imbalance. Entities that collect and control large amounts of personal data—be they governments or corporations—gain immense power over individuals. This power can be abused in various ways, from targeted advertising and behavior modification to more evil forms of control and coercion. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was used to manipulate political opinions, serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse when privacy is compromised.
Furthermore, the increasing sophistication of surveillance technologies raises concerns about the erosion of privacy in public spaces as well. Facial recognition, gait analysis, and other biometric technologies threaten to eliminate the anonymity that has traditionally been associated with public life. This shift fundamentally alters social dynamics and individual behavior, chilling free expression and association.
Privacy as Political Power and Sovereignty
In the political sphere, privacy is intimately connected to the concepts of liberty and democracy. The right to privacy is enshrined in various international human rights declarations and national constitutions, recognizing its fundamental importance to individual freedom and political participation.
Privacy empowers citizens to engage in political discourse and activism without fear of reprisal. It allows for the formation of opposition movements, the expression of dissenting opinions, and the organization of marginalized groups. In authoritarian regimes, where surveillance is often used as a tool of oppression, privacy becomes a form of resistance and a prerequisite for political change.
Privacy is essential for the proper functioning of democratic processes. The secret ballot, for instance, is a form of privacy that protects the integrity of elections by preventing coercion and vote-buying. Privacy also enables politicians and public servants to engage in frank discussions and negotiations without constant public scrutiny, which can be necessary for effective governance, not to mention the abuses of intelligence agencies which have their pig snouts in everything.
The concept of privacy as sovereignty becomes particularly important in the context of international relations and data governance. In an era of global data flows, questions of data sovereignty—who has control over and access to data—have become critical issues of national security and economic power. Countries that can protect the privacy of their citizens' data and control its flow across borders maintain a degree of sovereignty in the digital realm.
The Psychological Dimension: Privacy and Mental Sovereignty
From a psychological perspective, privacy can be understood as a form of mental sovereignty—the ability to control one's inner world and maintain psychological boundaries. Privacy provides the mental space necessary for introspection, self-reflection, and personal growth. It allows individuals to process experiences, emotions, and ideas without external interference or judgment.
The power of privacy in this context becomes evident when we consider the psychological impacts of its absence. Constant surveillance or exposure can lead to stress, anxiety, and a loss of authentic self-expression. Studies have shown that the mere perception of being watched can alter behavior and thought patterns, a phenomenon known as the "chilling effect." This underscores the importance of privacy as a form of psychological empowerment, enabling individuals to maintain their mental integrity and autonomy.
Privacy plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy relationships and social dynamics. The ability to selectively disclose information about oneself is fundamental to building trust and intimacy. Privacy allows for the gradual and controlled revelation of one's inner self, which is essential for forming deep, meaningful connections with others.
The Economic Perspective: Privacy as a Resource and Commodity
In the digital economy, personal data has become a valuable resource, often described as "the new oil." In this context, privacy can be understood as a form of economic power—the ability to control and benefit from one's personal information. Individuals who can maintain their privacy effectively retain control over a valuable asset, while those who lose their privacy may find their personal information exploited for economic gain by others.
The commodification of personal data raises important questions about ownership, consent, and fair compensation. The current model, where individuals often surrender their privacy in exchange for "free" services, has been criticized as exploitative. Recognizing privacy as a form of economic power highlights the need for more equitable models of data exchange and compensation. This is why Google, which considers you “the product” which it sells to advertisers, is fundamentally oppressive and abusive to your freedom.
Further, privacy can be seen as a competitive advantage in the business world. Companies that can effectively protect their customers' privacy may gain consumer trust and loyalty, potentially outperforming competitors who are less privacy—conscious. This economic incentive could drive innovation in privacy-enhancing technologies and business practices. It seems so far, however, that many people are largely unaware of the implications of having their lives so closely monitored and so foolishly choose convenience over privacy. They will end up learning the hard way.
The Ethical Implications of Privacy as Power
Recognizing privacy as a form of power and sovereignty raises important ethical considerations. If privacy is indeed a form of power, then inequalities in access to privacy become a matter of social justice. How can we ensure that privacy is not just a privilege for the technologically savvy or the poor?
Furthermore, the power inherent in privacy comes with responsibilities. How should individuals and organizations wield this power? What are the ethical obligations of those who collect and control large amounts of personal data? These questions become increasingly pressing as technology advances and the potential for privacy infringement grows.
The concept of privacy as sovereignty also raises questions about the limits of this sovereignty. In a interconnected world, where does one person's right to privacy fit in with the rights of society as a whole?
Privacy plays a crucial role in the process of identity formation and self-actualization. In the absence of constant external scrutiny, individuals have the freedom to explore different aspects of their personality, experiment with various ideas and behaviors, and ultimately develop a sense of self that is authentic and self-determined. This process of identity formation is a fundamental expression of personal sovereignty.
Privacy in the Context of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
As AI and machine learning technologies become more sophisticated, the relationship between privacy and power takes on new dimensions. These technologies have the potential to infer highly personal information from seemingly innocuous data, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes private information.
For example, AI systems might be able to deduce an individual's sexual orientation, political beliefs, or health conditions from their social media activity, purchasing habits, or even their gait. This capability shifts the balance of power significantly, as those who control these AI systems gain unprecedented insight into individuals' lives.
Moreover, the use of AI in predictive policing, credit scoring, and hiring decisions raises concerns about privacy as it relates to future actions and potentialities. The power to predict (and potentially influence) an individual's future based on private data challenges notions of free will and self-determination.
Privacy and the Commons: Balancing Individual and Collective Interests
While privacy is often framed in terms of individual rights, it's important to consider its role in maintaining healthy communities and societies. The concept of the "privacy commons" suggests that individual privacy decisions can have collective impacts.
For instance, when individuals choose to share their genetic information with commercial DNA testing companies, they're not just making a decision about their own privacy - they're also potentially exposing genetic information about their relatives. This raises questions about the limits of individual sovereignty over personal information and the need for collective decision-making processes regarding privacy.
Similarly, the widespread use of social media and the normalization of sharing personal information online can create social pressure that erodes privacy norms for everyone. This demonstrates how individual privacy choices can shape societal expectations and power dynamics on a broader scale.
Privacy as a Prerequisite for Other Fundamental Rights
Privacy can be viewed as a foundational right that enables the exercise of other fundamental human rights. Without privacy, freedoms such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of religion can be significantly compromised.
For example, journalists rely on privacy to protect their sources and conduct investigative reporting, which is crucial for holding power to account. Similarly, the ability to form and participate in political opposition movements often depends on a degree of privacy, particularly in authoritarian contexts.
This perspective frames privacy not just as a form of power in itself, but as an enabler of other forms of social and political power. It underscores the importance of privacy as a cornerstone of democratic societies and human rights frameworks.
The Role of Privacy in Innovation and Creativity
Privacy provides the conditions necessary for innovation and creativity to flourish. In a space free from external judgment or premature criticism, individuals can explore unconventional ideas, make mistakes, and engage in the kind of divergent thinking that often leads to breakthroughs.
This applies not only to artistic or scientific creativity but also to social and political innovation. Privacy allows for the incubation of new social movements, political ideologies, and ways of organizing society. It provides a buffer against the stifling effects of conformity and groupthink.
From this perspective, privacy can be seen as a form of collective power - the power of a society to renew and reinvent itself. Erosion of privacy could lead to a more stagnant, less adaptable society.
Privacy in the Age of Bioengineering and Neurotechnology
Emerging technologies in the fields of bioengineering and neurotechnology present new frontiers in the privacy discourse. As we develop the ability to read and potentially alter brain activity, the concept of mental privacy takes on new significance.
The power to access or influence an individual's thoughts, memories, or cognitive processes would represent an unprecedented form of control. Privacy in this context becomes not just about protecting information, but about maintaining the sovereignty of one's own mind.
Similarly, as genetic engineering technologies advance, genetic privacy becomes increasingly important. The power to access and potentially alter an individual's genetic code raises profound questions about privacy, identity, and the boundaries of personal sovereignty.
Privacy and Resilience: Individual and Societal
Privacy can be viewed as a form of resilience, both for individuals and societies. On an individual level, privacy provides a buffer against the psychological stresses of constant social exposure and evaluation. It allows for recovery, reflection, and the maintenance of mental health.
On a societal level, privacy contributes to resilience by maintaining variety of thought and behavior. In a society where everything is visible and subject to social approval, there's a risk of homogenization and loss of diversity. Privacy allows for the persistence of difference and dissent, which can be crucial for societal adaptation and survival in the face of challenges.
This framing of privacy as a form of resilience highlights its importance not just for individual well-being, but for the long-term health and adaptability of societies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of privacy as a form of power and sovereignty is of the utmost importance. It touches on fundamental aspects of human existence—from identity formation and psychological well-being to societal resilience and innovation. Recognizing privacy as a form of power underscores the need for robust privacy protections, equitable access to privacy-enhancing technologies, and thoughtful governance frameworks. It also highlights the responsibility that comes with the power of privacy - the need to balance individual privacy rights with collective well-being and to consider the broader implications of our privacy choices.
Because those in power often abuse technology to benefit their own power and control, much of this will have to be done by self-help measures, such as using strong encryption, decentralized systems, VPN’s, TOR, email anonymizing services, cryptocurrency like Monero, etc.