Privacy is the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves or information about themselves, and thereby express themselves selectively. When something is private to a person, it usually means that something is inherently special or sensitive to them. The domain of privacy partially overlaps with security , which can include the concepts of appropriate use and protection of information. Privacy may also take the form of bodily integrity . The right not to be subjected to unsanctioned invasions of privacy by the government , corporations , or individuals is part of many countries' privacy laws , and in some cases, constitutions . In the business world, a person may volunteer personal details, including for advertising , in order to receive some kinds of benefit. Public figures may be subject to rules on the public interest . Personal information which is voluntarily shared but subsequently stolen or misused can lead to identity theft . The concept