What is Computer Invasion of Privacy?
A Computer Invasion of Privacy is the breach of knowledge or critical information of a person without informing them. It is a legal term and a criminal act against the law.
It is defined as a circumstance where an individual or organization knowingly intrudes upon a person. This intrusion occurs when a person can expect privacy, such as in a bathroom or locker room. It is defined as a tort.
It also encompasses a wide range of activities that violate an individual’s right to keep their personal data secure and confidential. From hacking into email accounts and social media profiles to intercepting sensitive financial transactions online, these invasions can cause significant harm both personally and financially.
Types of Computer Invasion of Privacy
Deception is a type of Invasion of Privacy. When an employer collects information for one reason but uses it for another reason, it could result in termination. Invasion of Privacy consists of Violation of Confidentiality also. This happens when information is given to a third party.
Internet privacy is another Computer privacy that needs to be kept in mind. It involves the right of personal privacy related to storing, provision to third parties, or displaying some critical information. This type of privacy is applied from small to large-scale data sharing.
Internet privacy is somewhat a subset of data privacy. Sometimes companies are hired to track the information about which people visit the website. They send a user’s web history to the advertising company. They even try to use social media to collect bank and credit card information on various websites.
The penalty for Computer Invasion of Privacy
In General, Invasion of Privacy is a serious crime, and various countries have several measures against this crime. For example :
In Georgia, a person convicted of this will receive a fine of up to $50,000 and up to 15 years in prison. It is a felony conviction. The victim can be sued to recover any damages sustained and the cost of the lawsuit. Damage includes loss of profit and any expense the victim had to pay because of privacy. But, the amount of restitution ordered is limited to the damage done to the victim.
In India, Section 65 of the IT Act prescribes punishment for tampering with computer source documents and provided that any person who knowingly or intentionally conceals destroys or alters or intentionally or knowingly causes another to conceal, destroy, or alter any computer source code of programmes, commands, network or computer system, shall be punishable with imprisonment for up to 3 (Three) years or with a fine which may extend to Rs. 3,00,000 (~ US $4000) or with both.
The Right to Privacy in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Section 38 states that data containing personal information about another person, disclose such material information to any other person, except when required by law, without the consent of the person concerned or in breach of lawful contract with the intent to cause or knowing that he is likely to cause harm, wrongful loss or gain to any person or compromise the confidentiality of such material or data shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to one million rupees or with both.
In Germany, According to Sec. 42 BDSG-new, certain data protection infringements are considered criminal offences and can be sentenced to up to three years in prison or a fine, e.g. if personal data is transferred illegally to third parties or otherwise made accessible on a large scale and for commercial purposes or if personal information is obtained by fraud for enrichment or to harm others.
Tips to safeguard personal information
Creating secure, one-of-a-kind passwords for each of your online accounts is one way to avoid digital invasion of privacy. Avoid utilizing terms or phrases that are simple to guess. Choose a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters instead. As an additional security measure, implement two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Being cautious while disclosing personal information online is an additional preventative precaution. Be careful what you publish on social networking platforms, and refrain from making private information like your full name, home address, cell phone number, or financial information available to the public. Additionally, it’s crucial to exercise caution when submitting personal information on websites or in response to email requests by first checking the legitimacy of the request.
By following these tips and adopting good cybersecurity practices overall, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of computer invasion of privacy and protect their valuable personal data from falling into the wrong hands.