Surveillance and its Impact on Civil Liberties
Lead author · Corresponding
Prachilekha Sahoo
Doctoral Student at National Law University Odisha, India
Abstract
Surveillance, when pervasive and unregulated, poses a direct threat to civil liberties, which are essential for a free and dignified life. In a society where every action, word, or thought is subject to scrutiny, individuals may begin to self-censor, fearing that even innocent behaviour could be misconstrued and used against them. This erosion of freedom undermines the core principles of privacy, free speech, and autonomy, replacing openness with fear. What is marketed as protection may, in reality, be fostering an environment of mistrust and caution, where individuals live under constant observation, compromising their ability to truly live freely.
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