"In the digital age , our personal data is the new currency , and we must protect it with the same vigor as we protect our financial assets." – Tim Cook

Abstract
This paper would like to specially focus on right to privateness in digitalized India and the impact it ought to have at the residents of India. It is believed that humans are independent creatures with an innate demand for privacy and Control over specific areas of their existence. Human conduct has an intrinsic desire For privacy, which is today acknowledged as a fundamental human right. The rapid advancement of technology has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with one another.

In today's digital landscape, our personal data is being collected, analyzed, and shared at an unprecedented scale. But at what cost to our right to privacy? This article examines the tensions between technological innovation, national security, and individual privacy, and argues for a renewed commitment to protecting our right to privacy in the digital age.

The digital age has brought about unparalleled convenience, connectivity, and access to information. However, it has also created new vulnerabilities and risks to our right to privacy. This article discusses the key challenges and opportunities for protecting our right to privacy in the digital age, and proposes a framework for balancing individual privacy with the needs of national security and technological innovation.

Introduction
In 21st century , the development of technology has changed the living standards of a common person. Nevertheless, many of our liberties are currently in danger due to the advancement of technology. "As technology Advances and involves data that is continuously collected and processed in the marketplace, the Right to privacy is becoming increasingly important. The process of going digital has led to the Emergence of several criminal behaviours, including data fraud, hoax contacting, cyber Harassment, and so on.

The "right to privacy" has become increasingly critical in the digital age, particularly with the rise of social media and technological advancements. As, on social media it has become very common that one person used the personal information of another person for extracting informations .As digital interactions proliferate, concerns about privacy violations have intensified, prompting legislative responses like India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, aimed at safeguarding individual privacy rights while navigating the complexities of modern technology.

New Digital Era:
The new digital era, characterized by rapid technological advancements, has transformed how we live, work, and interact. This shift began with the industrial revolution and has accelerated through the rise of the internet, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Access to information has expanded dramatically, enabling individuals to engage with data that was once restricted to experts. Cloud Computing, Internet of Things (IoT),Online Services like Websites, social media, e-commerce platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI).

India's "Digital India" aim to enhance digital infrastructure, ensuring that even rural populations can access essential services and information. However, the new digital era also has significant impacts, including concerns about individual privacy and security, job displacement due to automation and artificial intelligence, and social isolation resulting from decreased face-to-face interaction. Furthermore, the increased reliance on digital technologies has created new opportunities for cybercrime, hacking, and data breaches.

The Evolution Of Right To Privacy:
The advent of the new digital era has ushered in a transformative paradigm, marked by unprecedented technological advancements, pervasive digital adoption, and profound shifts in societal, economic, and individual landscapes. This era has yielded numerous benefits, including unparalleled connectivity, universal access to information, and unprecedented economic opportunities.

The internet has democratized knowledge, education, and commerce, while digital innovations have spawned novel business models, e-commerce platforms, and remote work arrangements, thereby redefining the fabric of modern society.However, this era also poses significant challenges, including pressing concerns about individual privacy and security. In the landmark case of K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), the Indian Supreme Court recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right, emphasizing the need for data protection and privacy safeguards in the digital age.

Furthermore, the escalating reliance on digital technologies has created new vulnerabilities to cybercrime, hacking, and data breaches. In the case of Yahoo! Inc. v. Akash Arora (2011), the Delhi High Court emphasized the importance of protecting personal data and held that online service providers have a duty to protect user data.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to strike a balance between the benefits of technological advancements and the need to protect individual rights and freedoms. By drawing on relevant case law and legal frameworks, we can work towards creating a secure, equitable, and sustainable digital future.

Issue Related To Right To Privacy In Digital Era:
Our lives have changed significantly as a result of technological improvements, which also provide many advantages including more efficient communication,easier access to information, and better productivity. But these developments have also given rise to grave privacy issues.The right to privacy in the digital era is a pressing concern, with various issues arising from the rapid advancement of technology. One significant issue is online shopping scams, where personal and financial information is compromised, leading to identity theft and financial loss.

For instance, the Aadhar card scam, where sensitive biometric data was leaked, highlights the vulnerability of personal information in the digital sphere .Social media platforms, such as Twitter, have also raised concerns about privacy, particularly with regards to sharing personal photos and information. The ease with which information can be shared and accessed online has led to a significant increase in information leaks, compromising individuals' right to privacy.

In India, the Supreme Court has recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right in the landmark case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India . The court held that the right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.Furthermore, the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, aims to provide protection to individuals' personal data and establish a Data Protection Authority in India . The bill proposes to regulate the processing of personal data, including sensitive personal data, and provide individuals with control over their personal data.

Data Protection:
A legal precaution known as data protection was implemented to stop the improper use of Personal data. "Every person has the fundamental right to control how much of their personal Information or data is used. In the digital era, privacy and data protection are two important questions Internet governance concerns that are linked to one another. A privacy breach may result from Making someone else's (an interested party's) easily accessible personal data or information.

Concerns concerning the automated and simple availability of necessary personal data about an individual to another individual or a public or private body are related to data protection and privacy of crucial personal information." Consequently, privacy and data protection, the two main challenges facing Internet governance today, are inherently at odds. Data privacy proposes how the personal information of an individual should be treated depending on its perceived value, while data protection is a legal precaution that guarantees privacy. Data or Information belonging to individuals should be safeguarded to protect their privacy.

Evolving Aspect Of Right To Privacy : Right To Be Forgotten:
The "Right to be Forgotten" (RTBF) is a significant evolving aspect of the Right to Privacy. It refers to an individual's right to have their personal information, including online data, removed or deleted from public access, especially when it is no longer relevant or accurate.The concept of RTBF gained prominence in the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018. The GDPR established the right to erasure, which allows individuals to request the deletion of their personal data under certain circumstances.

In India, the RTBF has been recognized by the Supreme Court in the case of K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), where the court held that the right to privacy includes the right to control personal information and to be forgotten.

Laws In India:

• Constitutional Provisions
• Article 21 of the Indian Constitution: Right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to privacy.
   
• Statutory Law:
• Information Technology Act, 2000: Regulates digital transactions, including data protection and privacy.
• Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011: Regulates the collection, storage, and processing of sensitive personal data.
   
• Proposed Laws:
• The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019: A proposed law that aims to establish a comprehensive data protection framework in India.

Landmark Case Law:

1. Govind Vs State Of Madhya Pradesh - AIR 1975 SC 1378, (1975) 2 SCC 148
   This case is one of the most important case under the ambit of the right to privacy in India. It is about the petitioner – Govind and the respondent – State of Madhya Pradesh , where a regulation made by the government was challenged. The case involved a politician named Govind who was suspected of being involved in a murder case. The police entered Govind's home without a warrant and searched the premises, allegedly finding incriminating evidence.
   
   Govind challenged the search and seizure, arguing that it was a violation of his right to privacy. The Supreme Court of India held that the police had exceeded their authority by entering Govind's home without a warrant. The court ruled that the search and seizure were a violation of Govind's right to privacy, which is a fundamental right protected by the Indian Constitution.The court also held that the right to privacy is not absolute and can be limited by reasonable restrictions. The judgment established important principles regarding the right to privacy in India, including the need for a warrant before conducting a search and the limits on police authority to enter private homes.
    
2. R. Rajagopal & Ors. Vs. State Of Tamil Nadu & Ors - AIR 1995 SC 264, (1994) 6 SCC 632
   This case dealt with questions concerning the freedom of press vis-à-vis the right to privacy.R. Rajagopal vs State of Tamil Nadu (1994) is a landmark case in Indian law that deals with the right to privacy. R. Rajagopal, a journalist, published a series of articles in his magazine, Nakkeeran, exposing the alleged corruption and criminal activities of a politician, S. Durai. Durai filed a defamation suit against Rajagopal, and the court ordered the seizure of the magazine's copies.
   
   Rajagopal challenged the seizure, arguing that it was a violation of his right to freedom of speech and expression. The Supreme Court of India held that the seizure of the magazine's copies was a violation of Rajagopal's right to freedom of speech and expression. The court also recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right, stating that:
   "The right to privacy is a part of the right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution."

The court established the "public interest" test, which states that the publication of information about a public figure's private life can be justified only if it is in the public interest. The court held that the publication of the articles was justified as it was in the public interest to expose the alleged corruption and criminal activities of a public figure. The case has since been cited in numerous other cases involving the right to privacy and freedom of speech.

Conclusion:
The right to privacy in the digital era is a complex and multifaceted issue. The rapid advancement of technology has created new challenges for protecting individual privacy, from data breaches and cyber surveillance to online harassment and the exploitation of personal data. Recent case laws, including those related to Aadhaar, have highlighted the need for a balanced approach that protects individual privacy while also promoting national security, public safety, and economic growth.

Ultimately, ensuring the right to privacy in the digital era requires a collaborative effort from governments, corporations, and individuals to establish and enforce robust data protection laws, promote digital literacy, and foster a culture of privacy and respect for individual autonomy.

Written By: Tanvi Bhagat, 3rd year law student