Privacy is a fundamental human right, and everyone has the right to share only what they want with others. The value of privacy cannot be overstated, and those who argue otherwise need to understand its importance.
The violation of privacy can have devastating consequences for people. In certain cases, it can lead to robberies, thefts, and even deaths. For instance, the lack of banking secrecy between banks can enable unauthorized access to customers' financial information, putting their lives at risk
This abrupt disregard for the right to privacy puts account holders in immediate danger. Those who understand their privacy rights immediately stop or reduce their use of banking services. However, this is just one of the many abuses imposed on people, with underdeveloped countries being particularly affected by the lack of privacy.
In many African countries, people are unaware of their privacy rights, and their personal information is stolen either through negligence or lack of knowledge. For many, privacy ends up being used against them, as they are afraid to complain when they feel their rights are being violated, fearing reprisals from the government or the institution they are serving.
When I entered the world of cryptocurrencies a few years ago, I claimed part of my privacy and also my right to transact without anyone being able to snoop on my finances. Thankfully, my experience has been fantastic, but most people are still stuck with the old adage that privacy doesn't matter.
A clear example of the violation of the right to privacy can be seen in public hospitals, where patient information is often disclosed without prior consultation with the patient. Living in an underdeveloped country, many people receive treatment for HIV, for example, where the government pays, but a family member is responsible for the patient.
Often, due to stigma and not wanting to pass as sick, the family member ends up disclosing the relative's situation. This violates the kin's right to privacy.
The national financial system seeks to control citizens' money and make them dependent on the system. Many Africans do not have a bank account and rely on mobile wallets such as e-mola, from the Movitel mobile network, and M-pesa, from the Vodacom mobile network, which are digital money services.
To register for one of these wallets, users must provide personal information that is used to create an account. However, this same information is used to create an account in any other mobile wallet independent of the mobile network, thanks to the automatic registration of SIM cards carried out by communication operators.
This registration allows anyone who receives a value on their phone number to automatically be entitled to a digital account, even if they have not requested one. However, by providing their information for SIM card registration, the customer ends up granting the operator the right to control their account and bank transactions without explicit permission. 
The adoption of cryptocurrencies has become increasingly popular, and the government fears that people are increasingly valuing not only privacy but also the right to transact freely. This has bothered the authorities, who realize that young people are becoming aware of their rights and demanding more freedom.
It is essential for everyone to understand the importance of privacy as a fundamental right for coexistence in society. However, the escalation of cryptocurrency use is a sign that many people are increasingly aware of this right and willing to fight for it.
Overall, privacy is a crucial aspect of human rights, and everyone should be aware of its significance. While new technologies such as cryptocurrencies can provide some privacy advantages, they should not be viewed as a panacea. It is crucial to consider their potential drawbacks and ensure that they do not facilitate illegal activities.
Resources to learn more about Privacy
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): https://www.eff.org/
- Privacy International: https://privacyinternational.org/
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): https://www.aclu.org/
- Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT): https://cdt.org/
- International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP): https://iapp.org/
