| dc.description.abstract | In the digital era, the balance between national security and the right to privacy has emerged
as a critical legal and ethical dilemma. This comparative study examines the national security
legislation of the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, focusing on how each nation
addresses surveillance, data protection, and individual privacy in the face of growing security
threats. The analysis explores key laws such as the USA PATRIOT Act and FISA in the U.S.,
the Investigatory Powers Act in the U.K., and India’s Information Technology Act and
Personal Data Protection frameworks.
While these laws empower governments to counter terrorism and cybercrime, they also raise
significant concerns about mass surveillance, lack of judicial oversight, and the erosion of
fundamental rights. The study highlights common challenges, including overbroad state
powers, inadequate transparency, and insufficient safeguards for citizens. Drawing lessons
from these jurisdictions, the research underscores the need for a rights-based approach that
harmonizes security imperatives with robust legal protections for privacy. The findings call
for reform measures including enhanced oversight mechanisms, data minimization principles,
and stronger constitutional safeguards to ensure accountability and uphold democratic values
in the digital age. | en_US |
