Freedom or Illusion: The Dilemma of Digital Surveillance

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Ronald Regan once stated, “Man is not free unless government is limited.” We live in a country where the expression, “freedom,” is relentlessly used. The first amendment of the United States constitution protects our freedom of expression from government interference, which is exactly what we are currently up against. Unfortunately, like many other things in this country, freedom is becoming a questionable illusion. With the development of digital technologies, the government’s scope has become much wider, intruding every possible aspect of our lives. Many Americans are fully aware that they are being recorded in public places for the intention to protect against, and eliminate crime. Take for example, cameras to record our vehicle movements to ensure that we are driving at a reasonable speed, in compliance with the New York State Law. That appears completely harmless and beneficial to our own well-being. Now, imagine sitting at your computer unknowing to the fact that the FBI has turned on and is observing you through your webcam. The National Security Agency has a specialized tool, better known as GUMFISH that indeed, has access to taking photos …show more content…

In an interview done in Moscow in 2013, Snowden mentions, “Smurf Suite,” a collection of tools used to acquire information through one’s smartphone. “Dreamy Smurf,” is the power management program that provides the Government Communications Headquarters the ability to power your phone on or off at their will, making it seem as if your phone is performing an automatic reboot. “Nosey Smurf,” is a feature that grants the government access to your smartphone’s microphone, allowing them to listen in to direct and indirect conversations happening around you. “Tracker Smurf,” is a high precision locating tool, which gives the government an exact picture as to where you are, at any given

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