How a Century-Old Essay Shapes My Modern Perspective
As a law student back then who deeply immersed in researching and crafting my thesis on the contentious issue of government access to personal data within the framework of personal data protection, I’ve found two influential voices from the past — John Stuart Mill and Louis D. Brandeis & Warren — to be guiding lights illuminating my path in understanding the complex interplay between individual rights and government authority.
John Stuart Mill’s magnum opus, “On Liberty,” is a philosophical masterpiece that has fundamentally influenced my perspective. Mill’s central tenet revolves around the sacrosanct nature of individual liberty and the inherent limitations on state intrusion into the lives of citizens. This philosophical foundation resonates deeply with the core of my thesis, as it unequivocally underscores the imperative of delineating clear boundaries on government access to personal data. Mill’s compelling argument that government intervention should only be sanctioned when an individual’s actions cause harm to others reinforces my thesis’s central argument: that access to personal data by government entities should be restricted solely when a palpable and demonstrable harm to society can be conclusively established.
Applying this to the topic, Mill would argue that individuals should be free to own and use knives for legitimate purposes like cooking, crafting, or hunting because these activities typically do not harm others. However, there may be limits on the size or type of knives that can be owned to ensure public safety.
Furthermore, the writings of Louis D. Brandeis and Warren have added significant depth to my perspective. Brandeis & Warren, in his landmark article “The Right to Privacy,” eloquently championed the notion of the ‘right to be let alone.’ This notion powerfully underscores the principle that individuals should possess the agency to determine who can access their personal data. Brandeis’s writings serve as a compelling reminder that the right to privacy extends to the digital realm, and individuals should retain control over their personal information, even in an age of increasing government surveillance.
In essence, both Mill and Brandeis have profoundly impacted my approach to examining the intricate balance between legitimate governmental interests and the imperative of safeguarding individual privacy in the digital era. Their enduring ideas continue to provide the philosophical underpinnings for my thesis, which seeks to navigate the complex terrain of government access to personal data, advocating for stringent checks and ethical considerations that respect the sanctity of personal privacy while acknowledging the legitimate needs of the state. In a world where digital boundaries are constantly evolving, the wisdom of Mill and Brandeis & Warren remains a timeless beacon, guiding us towards a more equitable and just future in the realm of personal data protection.
