Privacy Duties

Abstract

Abstract The interests we have in privacy, along with the cases, distinctions, and arguments explored in this book suggest that there is not only a right to privacy, but also certain duties to protect one’s privacy and that of others (e.g., duties to refrain from surveillance). First, this chapter offers some reflections on the relationship between rights and duties. Section 2 argues that the duty to respect other people’s right to privacy is composed of a duty of ignorance (partly composed of a duty of inattention and restraint), and a duty of silence. Section 3 argues for a duty of reticence when it comes to protecting one’s own privacy, and for privacy as a civic duty. Section 4 argues that privacy duties don’t only attach to individuals, but also to institutions.