Who buys and controls the CCTV? Back to contents 60 Right to privacy Privacy is a broad concept relating to the protection of individual autonomy and the relationship between an individual and society, including governments, companies, and other individuals. The right to privacy is commonly recognised as a core right that underpins human dignity because it recognises the ability of individuals to control important areas of their own life, facilitates the development of their sense of self, allows for personal intimacy and family relationships. Without privacy, individuals lack the space to think and reason and develop their own voice. Privacy is a prerequisite to the meaningful exercise of free expression, given its role in preventing state and corporate surveillance. The right to anonymity is also seen as a vital part of the rights to expression and privacy. If biometric technologies are used to identify and profile people, they negate individuals’ ability to communicate or move anonymously.