‘The Right to Be Ignored’ in the Age of Hyper-Exposure

In an era of hyperconnectivity, privacy is no longer just about being left alone—it is about controlling how we are seen. While tools like blockchain and obfuscation have long been debated for their lay practicality and stigma associated with their use, the rise of AI and VR technologies further complicates our interactions—both online and offline—by automating surveillance and reshaping personal boundaries. This talk examines how privacy has shifted from a refuge to a strategic act, arguing that defending our ‘offlife’ (Szakolczai, 2023) is about ‘persona’ protection and reclaiming autonomy over our digital selves.