From Secretive Conspiracies to Open Digital Sharing: A Historical Revolution

In the 19th century, a significant shift in attitude towards privacy was evident, as the Mazzini Affair demonstrated that privacy was no longer viewed as dangerous or suspicious. This change was further emphasized by Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian revolutionary who was a household name in Britain during the 1840s. Mazzini, living in London and moving in progressive circles, advocated for workers' rights across Europe. However, his private correspondence was systematically surveilled, a fact that came to light when he noticed tampering with his mail.

The Victorian era, marked by the full flowering of the "cult of domesticity," saw the home as an idealized symbol of purity, comfort, and refuge from the industrial world's harsh realities. Yet, even in this era, privacy was not immune to transformation. In 1847, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were mortified to discover that their private family etchings had been leaked to the press, demonstrating the era's transformation of the domestic sphere into something almost sacred.

Fast forward to the 18th century, and we see the emergence of a clear distinction between public and private spheres, with the household becoming a refuge from the bustling public world outside. This ideology of separate spheres claimed that women should avoid the public sphere entirely, focusing instead on the domestic realm of childcare, housekeeping, and religion.

However, the 1960s marked a revolution in this thinking. A Greenwich Village speak-out in 1969 exemplified the revolutionary credo of the age: the personal is political. Women shared their experiences with illegal abortions, highlighting their exclusion from legislative decisions about their own bodies. This politicization of personal experience was further amplified by Kate Millett in her book, "Sexual Politics," published in 1970. Millett argued that "politics" wasn't just about elections and parties - it described "any situation in which one group of people has power over another."

Today, our digital age presents a new paradox where we voluntarily surrender our privacy through social media and surveillance technologies. Social media and digital surveillance are forces that push us to perform for an audience while quietly eroding personal boundaries in our digital world. The story of Harry and Meghan stepping away from royal duties in 2020 and their subsequent tell-all interviews and memoirs is a contemporary example of the tension between demanding transparency and protecting privacy.

In 2025, the book "Strangers and Intimates" was published, tracing the evolution of private life from ancient Athens to the digital present. The book argues that privacy is a historical construct rather than a natural right, exploring key transformations such as Luther's development of individual conscience, the Victorian cult of domesticity, and the 1970s feminist movement's politicization of personal experience.

Looking at how past generations wrestled with similar questions can give us perspective and maybe even help us chart a better path forward in our digital age. The concept of privacy isn't natural or universal, but a historical invention that has evolved dramatically over centuries. Understanding this evolution can help us navigate the complexities of privacy in our digital world.

Public figures like Jeffrey Epstein, whose scandal revealed abuse networks involving elites and stirred political debate, and Stefan Gelbhaar, a Green politician whose career was derailed by unproven sexual harassment allegations amplified by media reporting, exemplify how personal and current events thrust individuals into political conflicts, influencing public discourse on privacy and media responsibility.

In conclusion, the evolution of privacy is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and continents. From the Mazzini Affair to the digital age, our understanding and perception of privacy have been shaped by historical events, societal norms, and technological advancements. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our digital world, understanding this evolution can help us make informed decisions about privacy and shape a future that respects and protects individual rights.