Technological Advancement and Its Impact on the Sanctity of Privacy: A Study on Character Assassination under Islamic Sharia and Law

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects of technological advancement on the sanctity of private life, clarify the concept of character assassination and its manifestations in the digital environment, explore the relationship between privacy violations and harm to reputation and dignity, and assess the adequacy of Sharia and legal protection afforded to these rights. The study adopts an analytical approach to examine the relevant Islamic texts and legal rules. It concludes that Islamic Sharia provides protection for private life by prohibiting spying, seeking out people’s private matters, backbiting, false accusations, and the disclosure of secrets, while safeguarding the sanctity of the home, correspondence, honor, and reputation. The study also concludes that privacy violations and character assassination are distinct concepts; however, violations of privacy may become a means of harming a person’s reputation, particularly in the digital environment, where content can spread rapidly and its consequences are difficult to control.