SJD1501 Assignment 7 Due 9 June 2024

SJD1501 Assignment 7
Final Portfolio
Due 9 June 2024

1.1 What is the impact of social media on the constitutional right to Privacy (125
words) 5 marks

1 Privacy
In terms of South African law, the impact of social media on the constitutional right to
privacy is significant. The Constitution of South Africa guarantees the right to privacy under
Section 14, protecting individuals against unlawful intrusion. However, social media
challenges this right as individuals often share personal information online, sometimes
unwittingly, making it accessible to a broad audience. Employers and others can access
this information, potentially leading to breaches of privacy. The Protection of Personal
Information Act (POPIA) aims to regulate the processing of personal information, ensuring
that privacy is respected even in the digital realm. However, the balance between
leveraging social media for legitimate purposes and protecting individual privacy remains a
complex and evolving issue in South Africa.

1
MT Skosana(2016) the right to privacy and identity on social network sites: a comparative legal perspective

1.2. What is the impact of social media on the constitutional right to Freedom of
expression?