Right to privacy in the digital age: Legal implications and challenges in India

Abstract

The Right to Privacy has emerged as one of the most pressing issues in the digital age, particularly in India, where technological advancements have transformed the collection, processing, and storage of personal data. This research critically examines the evolution of privacy rights in India, with a focus on judicial interpretation, legislative measures, and sociotechnical challenges. It analyzes landmark Supreme Court judgments, including K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) and the Aadhaar judgment (2018), and evaluates the impact of the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019. The study identifies challenges such as mass surveillance, corporate data collection, cyber threats, and the digital divide, while proposing recommendations for strengthening privacy protections in line with constitutional mandates, technological realities, and democratic principles.