Digital Surveillance Debate

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Digital surveillance is a controversial issue that is debated throughout America. Individuals have consistently questioned the consequent social implications of digital surveillance, and whether or not surveillance infringes on constitutional rights. However, with the rise of technology in society, digital surveillance is necessary to maintain the safety of the public good. Despite the positive aspects of surveillance, resistance of surveillance in new technology has been evident throughout history. For example, many Parisians in the 17th century resisted the installation of fixed street lights because they viewed the lights as an unacceptable form of safety and surveillance (Martin 216). Street lights, a new technology at the time, are now …show more content…

He notes that government surveillance of internet usage seeks “pre-empt behavior to repress or prevent certain behaviors in the name of security” (Humphreys 2). By monitoring citizen’s internet use, the government is proactive in stopping the crimes that occur online. Americans fear that the constitutional right that prevents the government from “unreasonable search and seizure,” will be completely sacrificed in the name of surveillance but it is necessary for the government to require that citizens give up some of their rights for the sake of security (Humphreys …show more content…

The leaking of classified information on the website “WikiLeaks,” has put U.S. citizens at risk and threatens democracy. “At the time of writing, WikiLeaks has published 2,325,961 diplomatic cables and other US State Department records, comprising some two billion words. This stupendous and seemingly insurmountable body of internal state literature, which if printed would amount to some 30,000 volumes [of classified material]” (Assange). WikiLeaks has published classified information online that includes but is not limited to US military secrets and the release of presidential nominee emails. The releasing of this information provides United States citizens a glimpse of what the government hides from its citizens but puts the country at a greater risk since the classified knowledge can be viewed on a global scale. Citizens of the United States learn the classified information, however so do countries like China, Russia, or enemy organizations like ISIS. They have learned secrets about how the military operates and are able to use that to their advantage and knowledge. To put the leaking of secrets into perspective, revealing military secrets to the enemy is the equivalent of revealing your cards in a game of poker. By digitally monitoring websites like WikiLeaks, the government is able to prevent leaking of classified information that poses a threat

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