The right to privacy, just like any other right, should be enjoyed by everyone.  However, the lives of public figures such as senior politicians and celebrities attract public discussion since they interest everyone. Therefore, these people receive much coverage by the media than any other group of people. Nonetheless, uncensored coverage of these personalities intrudes too much in to their private lives and may become damaging.  This infringes on their right to privacy. As a result, many suits against the media are alleged intrusion in to the private lives of these personalities. On the other hand, the public has a right to information and be informed. Additionally, there should be protection of the freedom of press and the right to a free press. This shows that the intrusion in to the private lives of people by the media has its own merits and demerits. Therefore, there should be a mechanism that tries to keep a balance between the various rights and freedoms affected by these intrusions. This essay discuses the intrusion of the media in to private lives by highlighting its advantages and disadvantages on the public and the public figures affected.

     Nowadays, it is easier for the media to intrude in to people’s privacy due to improved technology. For example, it is easier to hide cameras as they have become very small and conversations are secretly recorded by more sophisticated equipments.Although, the public is interested in the specifics of a public figure, some of these kinds of intrusions, sometimes, damage the names and the life of the targeted person. Therefore, intrusion of the media in to the private life has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, a malicious journalist can secretly encroach in to the solitude of a person and expose details that are injurious to his life and career. For instance, nude pictures taken secretly and exposed to the public may become traumatic to a celebrity. Secondly, private facts of a public figure exposed by the media make them vulnerable to attack from enemies yearning for their downfall. Thirdly, in some cases, the media can portray these public figures in false light. This not only misinforms the public but also falsely dents the reputation of the affected person.

     Although, too much intrusion into the private lives of individuals by the media damages their reputation, it sometimes helps the public. Consequently, this intrusion has also its own advantages. For example, it exposes pubic officials who are hypocritical in their dealings leading to good governance. Additionally, journalists go undercover and come up with amazing facts that are useful to the criminal justice system and the general public. Therefore, not all invasions in to private life warrant a law suit or condemnation.

     In conclusion, it is worth noting that issues relating to encroachment of private life by the media have their own advantages and disadvantages and should be approached carefully. Different cases should be dealt with in different ways. For that reason, there must be special emphasis on the right to information and be informed, protection of privacy, the right to a free press and freedom of expression when dealing with this issues. In so doing, the interests of the public, the press and the affected person are catered for.