How much privacy does one really have? Take the example of media; they constantly harass celebrities and important figures about their personal lives for plain entertainment. Some argue that celebrities give up their right to privacy in order to become famous, so they shouldn't complain about invasion of personal space. However, twisting facts and adding juice to stories are common acts of disgrace for the journalism industry.
Another concerning breach of privacy are security cameras. Although, it may be difficult to see them as harmful spying devices when they're installed for one's own protection, the question lingers: who is watching us? For example, recently, cables were installed in the Navy Housing Scheme, Karachi for security cameras. Are security cameras in housing compounds really necessary? Are they really going to be watching the houses and/or windows at all times in case of burglaries?
Social theorist and philosopher Jeremy Bentham's design of the panopticon tower --a type of prison building--in 1785 reflects the paranoia that comes with security cameras. He designed it so that all prisoners could be observed without their knowledge. This created fear and anxiety of being watched at all times. It also resulted in internalised surveilance: changes in behavior due to the paranoia of one's every move being observed. Bentham described it as "a new mode of obtaining power of mind over mind."
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