Introduction
PRIVACY
is Volume 317 in the
ISSUES
series. The aim of
the series is to offer current, diverse information about
important issues in our world, from a UK perspective.
ABOUT TITLE
Privacy is a fundamental human right. But is our privacy
increasingly under threat? This book examines what
privacy means and why it is important. It also looks at the
controversial ‘Snooper’s Charter’, data privacy, hackers
and the rise of wearable technology. Also explored are
issues surrounding surveillance, the rules regarding CCTV
and the ethics of DNA databases. The third and final
chapter looks at privacy in relation to The Internet of
Things, including how your Smart TV could be spying on
you and whether it’s a breach of children’s privacy when
their parents post baby pictures on social media.
OUR SOURCES
Titles in the
ISSUES
series are designed to function as
educational resource books, providing a balanced overview
of a specific subject.
The information in our books is comprised of facts, articles
and opinions frommany different sources, including:
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Newspaper reports and opinion pieces
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Website factsheets
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Magazine and journal articles
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Statistics and surveys
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Government reports
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Literature from special interest groups.
A NOTE ON CRITICAL EVALUATION
Because the information reprinted here is from a number
of different sources, readers should bear in mind the
origin of the text and whether the source is likely to have
a particular bias when presenting information (or when
conducting their research). It is hoped that, as you read
about themany aspects of the issues explored in this book,
you will critically evaluate the information presented.
It is important that you decide whether you are being
presented with facts or opinions. Does the writer give
a biased or unbiased report? If an opinion is being
expressed, do you agree with the writer? Is there potential
bias to the ‘facts’ or statistics behind an article?
ASSIGNMENTS
In the back of this book, you will find a selection of
assignments designed to help you engage with the
articles you have been reading and to explore your own
opinions. Some tasks will take longer than others and
Useful weblinks
GOV.UK
there is a mixture of design, writing and research-based
activities that you can complete alone or in a group.
FURTHER RESEARCH
At the end of each article we have listed its source and a
website that you can visit if you would like to conduct
your own research. Please remember to critically evaluate
any sources that you consult and consider whether the
information you are viewing is accurate and unbiased.
