Context: While the government maintains that collection of individual data is necessary to streamline services delivery, however, the explosion of data generation, coupled with the rise of cyber threats, underscores the importance of safeguarding personal information.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: GS-IV- Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; Accountability and ethical governance.
1. Utilitarian Perspective on Privacy vs Security focuses on maximising overall Societal Welfare.
Moral Consequences:
- Lives saved through prevented terrorism/crime
- Reduced criminal activity through deterrence
- Enhanced investigation capabilities
- More efficient law enforcement resource allocation
Moral Considerations:
- Erosion of public trust
- Violation of moral authority.
- Potential data misuse for political gain
- Reduced innovation due to privacy concerns
- Psychological burden of constant surveillance
- Discouragement to alternative security measures' effectiveness
Quantitative Analysis:
- Cost-benefit calculations of surveillance programs
- Statistical likelihood of preventing attacks
- Economic impacts of privacy loss
- Healthcare costs from surveillance-induced stress
The utilitarian approach requires gathering empirical evidence about outcomes while acknowledging measurement challenges for intangible costs like lost privacy.
2. Social Contract Theory analysis of Surveillance vs Privacy:
Core Principles:
- Citizens come together to surrender certain rights for collective security.
- Government's power derives from consent of the governed.
- Mutual obligations between state (moral authority) and citizens (civic duty).
- Transparency and accountability requirements for trustworthiness.
Key Questions:
- Have citizens meaningfully consented to surveillance?
- Is the social contract being upheld by both parties?
- Are surveillance powers being used as agreed?
- Do citizens have adequate oversight mechanisms?
Institutional Requirements:
- Clear legal frameworks limiting state power
- Independent oversight bodies
- Protections of the due process
- Regular public reporting
- Democratic discussion on surveillance policies
Legitimacy Conditions:
- Proportional measures only
- Equal application across society
- Protection of fundamental rights
- Redress mechanisms for abuse
- Regular review and reform of surveillance authority
The social contract approach emphasises procedural safeguards and democratic consent rather than just outcomes.