Personal Data Privacy and Societal Hazards in the Digital Age: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

This article examines the intricate relationship between personal data privacy and contemporary societal hazards in the digital age. It traces the historical evolution of personal data as a valuable economic asset, analyzes emergent threats including data breaches, algorithmic discrimination, biometric surveillance, and synthetic media manipulation, and evaluates regulatory frameworks across global jurisdictions. The article identifies critical implementation challenges in privacy governance, including jurisdictional complexity, enforcement limitations, and technological advancement outpacing policy development. It presents mitigation strategies spanning Privacy by Design principles, advanced cryptographic techniques, digital literacy initiatives, ethical AI frameworks, and innovative governance models. Through integrated analysis of technical, legal, and ethical dimensions, the article establishes privacy protection as fundamental for maintaining human dignity, democratic function, and equitable power distribution in digitally mediated societies.