Smartphones: A Trade-off Between Privacy and Security

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As we progress deeper into the digital era, we rely more and more on our electronic devices. Over the last decade, almost everyone who lives in a developed nation owns a cellphone and they are becoming an integral part of our life. As a daily phone user, whether it is checking my email to see if my classes are canceled or calling my friends to see where they are at, a day without my phone would basically handicap my daily routine. However, owning a phone is also a liability. Especially smartphones, smartphones store a lot of vital information about the user, even our credit card number, and with the right device, people can obtain our information without us knowing. Even though cellphones are an important part of our life, is security worth sacrificing our personal privacy? According to the article “Dilemmas of the Internet age: privacy vs. security” written by Deena Zaru, yes, it is, but it comes at a price. “Owning a smart phone comes at a price but it is often a price that consumers are willing to pay.” (Zaru) …show more content…

Tulsi Gabbard said “it (surveillance) has not proven to be effective in preventing terrorist attacks.” (Zaru), although the surveillance might not actually stop any terrorist attacks, but at least we can sleep at night somewhat reassured we are safe. Secondly, unless you’re doing something shady, there’s really nothing to hide. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairs Mike Rogers said we need to "understand that our intelligence services are not the bad guys." (Zaru) The intelligence services are not here to stalk us, they are here to protect us from potential harm. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairs Mike Rogers and Dianne Feinstein still firmly stand by their belief that “the NSA is performing a necessary function with the intention of keeping Americans safe.”

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