Unpopular Privacy: What Must We Hide?

Can the government stick us with privacy we don't want? It can, it does, and according to Anita L. Allen, it may need to do more of it. Privacy is a foundational good, Allen argues, a necessary tool in the liberty-lover's kit for a successful life. A nation committed to personal freedom must be prepared to mandate privacy protections for its people, whether they eagerly embrace them or not. This unique book draws attention to privacies of seclusion, concealment, confidentiality and data-protection undervalued by their intended beneficiaries and targets--and outlines the best reasons for imposing them. Allen looks at laws designed to keep website operators from collecting personal information, laws that force strippers to wear thongs, and the myriad employee and professional confidentiality rules--including insider trading laws--that require strict silence about matters whose disclosure could earn us small fortunes. She shows that such laws recognize the extraordinary importance
of dignity, trust and reputation, helping to preserve social, economic and political options throughout a lifetime.


Author: Anita Allen
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 11/01/2011
Pages: 259
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.11lbs
Size: 9.50h x 6.36w x 0.92d
ISBN: 9780195141375

Review Citation(s):
Choice 05/01/2012

About the Author

Anita Allen is Professor of Law and Philosophy, University of Pennsylvania.

This title is not returnable