Final answer:
The term referring to the ability to control personal information is the right to privacy. It embodies personal autonomy and the freedom to make decisions without interference. In the digital age, safeguarding this right involves being informed about privacy policies and taking active measures to protect personal data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Privacy and Personal Autonomy
The term that refers to an individual's ability to control his or her personal information is the right to privacy. This concept is deeply rooted in civil liberties and reflects the fundamental aspect of personal autonomy, a space separate from public life, where one can make decisions and behave without surveillance or monitoring from others or the government.
The right to privacy can extend to various aspects of life including reproductive choices, marriage, dress code, career choice, and religious beliefs among others. This right also encompasses an individual's choices in economic activities such as buying, working, and saving, which are seen as an aspect of moral value worth respecting.
Protection of this right in the digital era is complex, with emerging tensions between individual privacy and government protection or regulation. It is essential for individuals to be aware of their privacy rights, read privacy policies, and take proactive steps to safeguard their data in the online environment.