Digital Privacy: A Legal and Social Perspective in India

Abstract

Digital privacy has emerged as a critical concern in India with the rapid expansion of information and communication technologies, widespread internet access, and the increasing use of digital platforms in everyday life. Personal data is now routinely collected, stored, and processed by both state authorities and private entities, raising important questions about individual autonomy, consent, and accountability. This study examines digital privacy from a combined legal and social perspective, focusing on the evolving constitutional framework, statutory protections, and judicial interpretations in India. It analyses the recognition of the right to privacy as a fundamental right and evaluates the adequacy of existing and proposed data protection laws in addressing contemporary challenges such as surveillance, data misuse, profiling, and cyber vulnerabilities. From a social standpoint, the paper explores issues of public awareness, digital literacy, and the unequal impact of privacy violations on different sections of society. The study argues that effective protection of digital privacy requires not only robust legal safeguards but also ethical governance, transparency, and active public participation. It concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that harmonizes technological advancement with the protection of individual rights in a democratic society.