Philosophical Theories of Privacy: Implications for an Adequate Online Privacy Policy

Abstract

This essay critically examines some classic philosophical and legal theories of privacy, organized into four categories: the nonintrusion, seclusion, limitation, and control theories of privacy. Although each theory includes one or more important insights regarding the concept of privacy, I argue that each falls short of providing an adequate account of privacy. I then examine and defend a theory of privacy that incorporates elements of the classic theories into one unified theory: the Restricted Access/Limited Control (RALC) theory of privacy. Using an example involving data-mining technology on the Internet, I show how RALC can help us to frame an online privacy policy that is sufficiently comprehensive in scope to address a wide range of privacy concerns that arise in connection with computers and information technology.Keywords: control theory of privacy, informational privacy, nonintrusion theory of privacy, online privacy policies, privacy in public, RALC theory of privacy, seclusion theory of privacy.

Synchronised smart phones: The collision of personal privacy and organisational data security

“…Instead of defining privacy in terms of control over information, Tavani (2007) defines an individual as having privacy when one is protected from intrusion, interference and information access by others. Individual do not need complete control over personal data to manage their privacy.…”

“…The restricted access / limited control theory RALC theory can be applied in developing an online privacy policy by addressing three principles: the concept, the justification and the management of privacy (Tavani, 2007). Instead of defining privacy in terms of control over information, Tavani (2007) defines an individual as having privacy when one is protected from intrusion, interference and information access by others.…”

“…There are a number of theories of privacy, however, their defintions of privacy are not all encompassing (Tavani, 2007). Tavani (2007) proposes the Restricted Access / Limited Control (RALC) Theory which defines an individual as having privacy:…”

“…Individual do not need complete control over personal data to manage their privacy. Rather, a limited control in respect of choice, consent and collection of personal data is required (Tavani, 2007).…”

“…Tavani (2007) proposes the Restricted Access / Limited Control (RALC) Theory which defines an individual as having privacy:…”