The Impact of Social Media on Privacy Rights: A Legal Evaluation

Abstract

This study investigates the implications of social media facilities for people’s privacy rights in India, adjusting its lens to the legal, policy and regulatory perspectives. In a society heavily dependent on digital platforms for communication, commerce, and social engagement, widespread collection, processing, and sharing of personal information pose serious threats to privacy. The paper will look at existing legal data protection and privacy frameworks in India currently governing data (the Information Technology Act, 2000, the IT Rules, 2021 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023). But it evaluates the extent to which these laws effectively address escalating threats from private sector data practices and government surveillance. The article concludes with legal and policy recommendations to enhance privacy safeguards and to secure a balanced and rights-respecting digital milieu in India.