Nothing to Hide (book)

Nothing to Hide (book)

Nothing to Hide

Author	Daniel J. Solove
Country	United States
Language	English
Subject	Privacy, Surveillance
Genre	Non-fiction
Publisher	Yale University Press
Publication date	2011
Media type	Print, e-book
Pages	256
ISBN	978-0-300-16939-6 Invalid ISBN.

Nothing to Hide: The False Tradeoff between Privacy and Security is a book written by Daniel J. Solove, a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School. The book was published in 2011 by Yale University Press. It addresses the common argument that privacy is not important if one has "nothing to hide," and it explores the implications of surveillance and data collection on individual privacy.

Overview

The book challenges the notion that privacy is only about hiding wrongdoing. Solove argues that privacy is a fundamental right that is essential for the functioning of a democratic society. He examines the impact of government surveillance, data mining, and information technology on privacy and civil liberties.

Key Themes

Privacy vs. Security

Solove critiques the false dichotomy between privacy and security, suggesting that it is possible to have both. He discusses how privacy laws and regulations can be designed to protect individuals without compromising security.

The "Nothing to Hide" Argument

The book dissects the "nothing to hide" argument, showing that it is based on a misunderstanding of what privacy entails. Solove explains that privacy is not just about hiding information but about controlling how information is used and shared.

Impact of Surveillance

Solove explores the various ways in which surveillance affects individuals and society. He discusses the chilling effect that surveillance can have on free speech and the potential for abuse of power by authorities.

Reception

Nothing to Hide has been praised for its thorough analysis and clear writing. It has been cited in numerous academic articles and has influenced debates on privacy and surveillance.

See Also

• Privacy law
• Surveillance state
• Data protection
• Civil liberties

External Links

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