Watching The Watchers: Balancing Privacy and Surveillance in the AI Era

ABSTRACT

The expansion of state surveillance in the digital era, driven by artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, has intensified debates surrounding the right to privacy. While national security remains a legitimate state interest, unregulated monitoring risks undermining constitutional liberties. This article examines the evolution of privacy as a fundamental right in India, particularly post-K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, and evaluates the legal framework governing surveillance. It analyses the proportionality principle as a constitutional safeguard, compares global regulatory models, and proposes measures for ensuring accountability and transparency. The study underscores the need for a balanced approach where technological tools enhance security without eroding democratic freedoms.