NICTS, INDIVIDUAL PRIVACY, AND MEDIA ACCOUNTABILITY

Abstract

The ongoing information and communication technology revolutions have substantially
empowered people by making them information rich. The enormous volume of information- the
main driver of the global information economy today- is at the disposal of anybody having the
means and the willingness to acquire. Conversely, the technologies of new media have emerged
as ubiquitous tools of privacy violation. The new media revolutions have facilitated information
sharing even if it ends up in intrusion in the privacy of citizens. Despite wider recognition of the
menace, we do not have credible deterrent mechanism and legal or constitutional remedy against
it. The personalized nature of technologies makes safeguards difficult as they are judged against
fundamental rights of citizens. The media claim immunity against privacy actions citing public
interest in its reporting. The government, on the other hand argues action against privacy in
national interest, especially in controlling economic crime, terrorist activities, and corruption.
But, often cases of privacy violations are found to be beyond the fringe of public or national
interest. The media cannot rightfully use its protective umbrella of constitutional and legal
freedom to justify its invasions in individual privacy if such acts are driven by considerations
other then national interest. It must honour the safeguards to individual privacy while performing
its sacred duty, failing which external checks may be inevitable even if it is not to the media’s
liking.