The Privacy Paradox that Never WasThe problem with privacy is that it’s often not appreciated until it is gone. Privacy is essential for everyone, even those who believe their actions are beyond reproach. In the words of Edward Snowden: “Arguing that you don’t care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don’t care about free speech because you have nothing to say.”
If privacy is a precursor to freedom, and if privacy is indeed a natural right, then it’s imperative that we each protect it through our actions. The ramifications of neglecting it cannot be overstated. In a world where our histories are recorded, holding beliefs or engaging in actions that contradict the prevailing narrative can have severe consequences. Punishments for “unacceptable” views have ranged from deplatforming and debanking to deportations and incarcerations. As civil liberties continue to erode in so-called liberal democracies, dissidents over the past few years have been targeted over issues related to covid, wokeism, the Russo-Ukrainian war, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. No matter where you stand ideologically, there will always be others who find your beliefs abhorrent—and there’s a real possibility that those very individuals could one day seize the reins of power. The next time you use a service that demands deeply personal information, consider the potential ramifications of neglecting your privacy before demonstrating your preference.
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