When do they watch you? Practically from the very moment you click on your Internet browser which leaves electronic markers at each Website you visit.This stream of markers can be aggregated , stored and revised . Cookies perform a similar function . This type of exploitation of individuals personal information without their consent or knowledge leaves may Internet users feeling as if they have no privacy .
The concept of a legal right to privacy was first mooted in 1890 and was defined as an "individual's right to be alone-.This right was soon well established in Common Law . However , in the electronic era of today , the realization of this type of a right to privacy (as defined above ) is virtually impossible . As a result of intrusive technologies and sophisticated data collection systems, the right to privacy has shifted from an expectation of being "left alone- , to a desire to control the flow of personal information .
Interesting questions arise as to what extent this right to privacy exists . While the general consensus among conservatives is that it is applicable in the same manner to the Internet as it is to , say , property , however Internet pundits disagree.
Frederic Schooner argues that the Internet is changing the very notion of privacy , having dramatic impact and affecting differences of kind as well as degree on the nature of privacy concerns .If this is true , it holds enormous ramifications for those defending privacy rights for Netizens .
In this context , the tort of invasion of privacy on the Internet assumes special significance . While legislation enacted in this regard is even now in a nascent stage , the implications of the above tort cannot be ignored given the sheer number of persons using the Internet every single day.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES .
In the course of this paper, the researchers seek to analyse the concept of privacy (of individuals) with respect to the Internet.
