Freedom of speech also protects those who speak nonsense.
Privacy protects those not currently in favor with the rulers or the mob, without a doubt. But that is not the only thing it is good for.
I am not exactly certain how keeping your own business secret is a tool for oppression, other than the sort of anonymity desired by criminals as a means of evading retribution under the law. But you cannot pull the hood from the Klansman without also outing closeted homosexuals.
Public information can be used for good or ill, but private information cannot be used against those who keep it secret. Thus the default expectation of those who infringe upon your privacy is that they wish to use your information against you. Even when your private information is used for your benefit, it usually comes off as creepy.
Privacy is an essential part of how we control our public image and reputations. Stripping away privacy removes our essential ability to be who we say we are. So it does protect to a greater extent those who are more dependent upon good reputation, such as politicians. Or owners of professional basketball franchises. Or celebrity chefs. It enables the prosecution of thoughtcrimes in the court of public opinion.
Privacy protects those not currently in favor with the rulers or the mob, without a doubt. But that is not the only thing it is good for.
I am not exactly certain how keeping your own business secret is a tool for oppression, other than the sort of anonymity desired by criminals as a means of evading retribution under the law. But you cannot pull the hood from the Klansman without also outing closeted homosexuals.
Public information can be used for good or ill, but private information cannot be used against those who keep it secret. Thus the default expectation of those who infringe upon your privacy is that they wish to use your information against you. Even when your private information is used for your benefit, it usually comes off as creepy.
Privacy is an essential part of how we control our public image and reputations. Stripping away privacy removes our essential ability to be who we say we are. So it does protect to a greater extent those who are more dependent upon good reputation, such as politicians. Or owners of professional basketball franchises. Or celebrity chefs. It enables the prosecution of thoughtcrimes in the court of public opinion.