right to privacy

USAGE SUMMARY

"right to privacy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's entitlement to make their own decisions about what information they choose to share and the right to be free from government or other forms of surveillance. For example, you could write: "Everyone has a right to privacy, and so it is important to respect that right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

· The right: To privacy What happened?

The Guardian - Opinion

Consumers have a right to privacy.

The New York Times

Bosses have a right to privacy.

The Economist

We have the constitutional right to privacy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Both trump the right to privacy.

The Economist

The Constitution guarantees the right to privacy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Would there be no right to privacy?

The Guardian

You have a right to privacy.

The New York Times - Books

People have a right to privacy.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everyone has a right to privacy.

The Guardian

She's questioning the very concept of a right to privacy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you're discussing general situations, consider using alternative phrases like "right to confidentiality" or "freedom from intrusion" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "right to privacy" when you actually mean "right to secrecy". Privacy involves control over information about oneself, while secrecy involves concealing information regardless of whether it is about oneself.

Linguistic Context

Right to privacy functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a fundamental legal and ethical principle concerning an individual's entitlement to control their personal information and activities. Ludwig examples show it in discussions of constitutional law, human rights, and ethical considerations in technology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

25%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "right to privacy" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that refers to an individual's entitlement to control their personal information and freedom from intrusion. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s suitable for use in various contexts, ranging from legal discussions to everyday conversations. Key aspects of this right include "right to confidentiality", "right to anonymity", and "freedom from intrusion". While the phrase is widely accepted, it's important to use it accurately, distinguishing it from concepts like secrecy. It appears frequently in news media, academic research, and scientific discourse, highlighting its relevance across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entitlement to privacy

Highlights the justified claim or legal basis for expecting privacy.

information privacy

Specifically related to the privacy and control of one's personal information.

right to confidentiality

Focuses on the protection of sensitive information shared in specific relationships, such as doctor-patient or lawyer-client.

reasonable expectation of privacy

Highlights the legal concept of when a person can legitimately expect their activities to be private.

right to anonymity

Emphasizes the ability to act or express oneself without revealing one's identity.

freedom from intrusion

Stresses the aspect of being free from unwanted interference or surveillance.

right to protection of personal data

Specifically relates to the safeguarding of information that identifies an individual, often in a digital context.

data protection rights

Deals with specific legal entitlements regarding the handling and processing of personal information.

personal autonomy

Focuses on the self-governance of an individual and their freedom to make decisions about their own life and body, including their private affairs.

right to be let alone

Focuses on the individual's entitlement to solitude and freedom from disturbance.

FAQs

What does the "right to privacy" entail?

The "right to privacy" generally refers to an individual's entitlement to control their personal information and be free from unwarranted intrusion. This can encompass various aspects of one's life, including personal data, communications, and physical space.

Is the "right to privacy" explicitly mentioned in the US Constitution?

While there is no explicit mention of a "right to privacy" in the US Constitution, the Supreme Court has interpreted several amendments, such as the Fourth Amendment, as establishing a constitutional basis for this right.

What are some examples of laws protecting the "right to privacy"?

Examples include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protects medical information, and various data protection laws that regulate the collection and use of personal data by companies.

What are some alternative phrases to "right to privacy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "right to confidentiality", "right to anonymity", or "freedom from intrusion". The best choice depends on the specific aspect of privacy you are emphasizing.