The Erosion of the Right to Privacy in International Law: Legal and Ethical Implications in the Digital Age
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Published:
Sep 1, 2025
Keywords:
Right to Privacy, Legal Challenges, Digital Challenges, International Law, Digital Privacy
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Abstract
The development of the right to privacy in international law is a complex process that requires an in-depth analysis of its historical progression. Initially, privacy was not clearly recognized as a distinct human right within legal systems. Over time, however, foundational legal concepts—such as the protection of individuals’ homes and communications—laid the groundwork for privacy rights. The modern recognition of privacy as a fundamental right began to emerge with key international instruments, notably the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, which enshrined the right to privacy in Article 12, and later the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 1966, which reinforced privacy protections in Article 17. These instruments marked significant milestones in the evolution of privacy rights under international law.
Nevertheless, the right to privacy continues to face persistent challenges, particularly in the digital age. Technological advancements—including digital surveillance, data analytics, and the growing capacity of governments and corporations to monitor individuals—pose new legal and ethical dilemmas. These digital challenges necessitate ongoing adaptation of legal frameworks to ensure the protection of privacy in a constantly evolving technological landscape. Safeguarding digital privacy is crucial in today’s interconnected world and requires continuous dialogue and cooperation among states, international organizations, technology companies, and civil society actors to preserve privacy protections in the face of mounting threats.
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How to Cite
Brahimi , S. (2025). The Erosion of the Right to Privacy in International Law: Legal and Ethical Implications in the Digital Age. Journal of Law, Society and Authority , 14(2), 63-82. Retrieved from https://revue.univ-oran2.dz/Revue/DSP/index.php/DSP/article/view/293
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-Dubber, Markus D, The Cambridge Handbook of Surveillance Law, Cambridge University Press, 2020, pp. 35-54.
- Kuner, Christopher, The General Data Protection Regulation: A Commentary, Oxford University Press, 2020, pp. 45-68.
- Solove, Daniel J, Understanding Privacy, Harvard University Press, 2021, pp. 22-48.
- Nasr de Maroc, The Right to Privacy, Journal of the College of Islamic Sciences - Al-Sirat, Fourth Year, Seventh Issue, Rabi' Al-Thani, 1424 AH, June 2003, p. 109.
- Cohen, Julie E, Configuring the Networked Self: Law, Code, and the Play of Everyday Practice, Yale University Press, 2012, pp. 102-120.
-Zuboff, Shoshana, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power, Public Affairs, 2019, pp. 258-275.
- Nowak, Manfred, U.N. Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: CCPR Commentary, NP Engel, 2019, pp. 123-145.
- Harris, David, et al, Law of the European Convention on Human Rights, Oxford University Press, 2021, pp. 87-103.
- Morsink, Johannes, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Origins, Drafting, and Intent, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1999, pp. 112-130.
- Moeckli, Daniel, International Human Rights Law, Oxford University Press, 2018, pp. 89-106.
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-Human Rights Committee. General Comment No. 16: Article 17 (Right to Privacy), 1988.
- Doyle, Ciaran, Privacy in International Law: Rights, Regulation, and the Global Impact, Cambridge University Press, 2021, pp. 142-160.
- Murray, Rachel, Human Rights Law and Privacy in the Digital Age, Oxford University Press, 2022, pp. 78-95.
- Bosher, John, Privacy and Surveillance in the Digital Age: The Impact of Recent European Court of Human Rights Jurisprudence, Routledge, 2022, pp. 67-85.
- Alston, Philip, and Ryan Goodman, International Human Rights, Oxford University Press, 2021, pp. 274-290.
- Regan, Priscilla M, Regulating Privacy: Data Protection and Privacy in the Digital Age. Routledge, 2020, pp. 45-60.
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- Kuner, Christopher. Op, cit, pp. 102-120.
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- Lyon, David, Surveillance Studies: An Overview, Polity Press, 2022, pp. 135-150.
- Gellman, Robert, and Pam Dixon, Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World, Wiley, 2021, pp. 200-215.
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- Solove, Daniel J., op,cit, pp. 200-220.
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- Zuboff, Shoshana, op, cit, pp. 15-40.
- Regan, Priscilla M., op, cit, pp. 75-92.
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- Bosher, John. ,op,cit, pp. 100-120.
- Greenleaf, Graham, and C. E. Lewis, The Impact of COVID-19 on Privacy Law: Lessons from the Pandemic, Journal of Privacy and Data Protection, Volume08, Issue. 3, 2021, pp. 45-62.
- Bamberger, Kenneth A, Privacy and Security in Times of Conflict: An International Perspective, International Journal of Human Rights, Volume. 15, Issue. 2, 2022, pp. 112-130.
-McDonald, Keith, and K. L. Rogers, Balancing Privacy and Public Health: The Role of Contact Tracing Apps During COVID-19,Health Law Review, Volume. 12, Issue. 1, 2022, pp. 58-74.
-Li, Zhang, Privacy and Public Health: Navigating Privacy Concerns During Health Crises, Journal of Public Health Policy, Volume. 43, Issue. 2, 2023, pp. 130-145.
- Salim Dahmani, Al-Sadiq Jarraya, Digital Privacy during Crises (Corona Crisis as a Model"), International Journal of Legal and Political Research, Volume: 06, Issue: 01, May 2022, p. 116.
- Roberts, Emily, and W. H. Smith, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Privacy: Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities, Journal of Technology and Privacy Law, Volume. 14, Issue. 1, 2023, pp. 89-105.
- Turner, Jonathan, Digital Surveillance and Privacy: Future Directions for Reform, International Privacy Law Review, Volume. 16, Issue. 3, 2022, pp. 142-159.
- Murray, Andrew, and K. P. Clarke, Artificial Intelligence and Privacy: Evolving Legal Frameworks for the Digital Age, Journal of Law and Technology, Volume. 19, Issue. 2, 2023, pp. 101-118.
- Harrington, Sarah, Blockchain Technology and Privacy: Regulatory Challenges and Future Directions, Journal of Privacy and Data Security, Volume. 11, Issue. 4, 2022, pp. 56-73.
- Kuner, Christopher, and J. C. Williams, International Privacy Law: Enhancing Cooperation and Standards, Global Privacy Law Review, Volume. 5, Issue. 2, 2023, pp. 22-40.
- Reddy, Arun, Toward a Global Privacy Charter: Proposals for Unified Privacy Standards, Journal of International Privacy Law, Volume. 17, Issue. 3, 2022, pp. 77-95.
- Greenleaf, Graham, and B. S. Thomas, Strengthening National Privacy Protections: Lessons from Recent Legal Reforms, Data Protection and Privacy Journal, Volume. 9, Issue. 1, 2023, pp. 40-58.
- Smith, Laura, Enhancing National Privacy Protections: Enforcement and Accountability Measures, Journal of Privacy and Security Law, Volume. 14, Issue. 2, 2022, pp. 85-102.