Why Privacy Matters

Author Neil Richards captures some very thought-provoking situations and his book is an exceptionally good read. While it is not an everyday 'how to' guide for practitioners who work in the relevant field, it can certainly help seasoned practitioners, newcomers to law or those who wish to explore the deeper meaning of privacy law understand why privacy may be about power. It helps those in law understand why their client may be worried about their data being misused or misappropriated, and what those who collect our data can do with it. By understanding why privacy matters, we can better understand how to assist those seeking our help. * Zainab Zaeem-Sattar, solicitor at Runnymede Law, London, The Law Society Gazette *
This thought-provoking book may inspire us to explore many theoretical ways to address privacy issues as well as create general models of protecting privacy. It is indispensable for those who wish to know more about privacy both academically and practically. * Qian Li, Institute for Chinese Legal Modernization Studies, Nanjing Normal University, The Edinburgh Law Review *
Neil Richards argues powerfully and eloquently about the importance of privacy in our lives and society. Insightful and nuanced, but also very accessible and clear, Why Privacy Matters is essential reading for anyone concerned about individual identity and freedom in a world where digital technologies are spinning out of control. * Daniel J. Solove, Professor of Law, George Washington University Law School, and author of Understanding Privacy *
Why Privacy Matters is a terrific synthesis of the literature on privacy and surveillance. It is also an insightful contribution to our understanding of those profoundly important areas of life. Every page provides provocative grist for discussion. Richards's conception of 'the situated consumer' is especially valuable for helping scholars, policymakers, and citizens to think about the data-collection thicket that marks our twenty-first century. * Joseph Turow, Robert Lewis Shayon Professor of Media Systems and Industries, University of Pennsylvania, and author of The Voice Catchers: How Marketers Listen in to Exploit Your Feelings, Your Privacy, and Your Wallet *
Privacy is not dead: it's the only power we have in an accelerating information society. Neil Richards offers us not just a clear-sighted defense of privacy but also a wise and humane set of guidelines for protecting it. Have the 'Privacy Conversation' with Richards; you will emerge enlightened—and even inspired—about the choices we face and the rules we still can make to govern the flow of our information. * Sarah E. Igo, Professor of History, Vanderbilt University, and author of The Known Citizen: A History of Privacy in Modern America *
Neil Richards persuasively lays down precisely why we, humans, should and must continue to apply notions and standards of privacy and data protection—even in a seemingly all-surveilling world. While reinforcing the critical importance of current regulation, he provides timely reasoning as to why our societies and governments must equally and urgently apply energy to defining, evolving, and refining the rules that enable and maintain personal empowerment in this Information Age. This book nails the case for why 'privacy is dead' is a cop-out. * Helen Dixon, Data Protection Commissioner for Ireland *