Press Freedom and Right to Privacy Conflicts and Challenges

Abstract

The conflict inherent in balancing freedom of the press and the right to privacy invariably presents some controversial legal issues. In addressing the legal dilemmas posed by the se competing interests, an in-depth analysis of the conceptual value of these two equally important rights becomes a preliminary starting point. Privacy is a human right recognised by the United Nations (UN). It is difficult to define succinctly and precisely what this right entails. Privacy has a dual aspect—it is concerned with information or personal data and the extent to which that is shared with other parties. The understanding of privacy has been shaped by technologies available at the time, starting from literacy, to book keeping to newspapers, and the current times we live in, the Internet. The Internet and the advent of mass data collection and retention have reshaped the concept of privacy in the modern world.