1984 Invasion Of Privacy Essay

Individual privacy is acknowledged as a fundamental human right protected by the constitution in many civilized societies. This right enables a person to conduct his or her personal affairs without invasion of privacy by authorities. The right to privacy is also protected by law in several countries. George Orwell’s 1984, on the other hand, is staged in a dystopian society wherein the government controls every aspects of its citizens’ life. The government in 1984 wants to ensure that there is no opposition to those in power. Similar society is also depicted in the movie Brazil where a person’s documented record is considered the only authentic record. The government therein too has unrestrained access to personal information without permission

Of the three, 1984 is surely the most invidious society depicted. Various means used by those in power to invade and control citizens’ privacy are use of technology, employing network of informants/spies and denying legal recourse, in case of invasion of individual privacy. Firstly, use of technology is pervasive in our society. We are still ambivalent as to if it has made our life easier or has disturbed it. As society advances in technology, it is being used against us and this is shown in 1984, Brazil, as well as in the article. In 1984, every open space in society is covered with telescreens and microphones. The citizens are shown images of the text, “Big Brother Is Watching You” ( ) on their telescreens every second. The minds of citizens are being infiltrated using Big Brother’s message. Also, in 1984 technology is used against the citizens. As it says in 1984, “The thing that is in Room 101 ….. is the worst thing in the world” ( ). It is known to the citizens that in room 101, they will face their worst fear. The telescreens and microphones help the government to find out the citizens’ worst fears and then it is used against them if they act against the government. The movie Brazil describes a similar society where every