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Ethical aspects of electronic surveillance
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The importance of privacy for me
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In our modern day society, individuals are actively on the internet, exposing themselves in every aspect unknowingly. We are oblivious to who is watching and collecting our information. Many are oblivious to how far the government is willing to go to uncover any secrets or menacing threats. In Peter Singer’s essay, Visible Man, we explore the ways in which we have currently encircled ourselves in a present-day, “panopticon”. Singer explains how we have deliberately invited the government into our private lives. Singer once said that privacy is viewed as a human right. However, as a result of social networking and involuntarily giving out of personal data, we have essentially agreed and consented to our invasion of privacy. Throughout the …show more content…
essay, Singer makes a compelling argument about our privacy. As the years have progressed, our society has valued privacy much more than it did in the past. Of course, this is our way of sharing our voice and demanding that the government shares their private information about them as well. The invasion of our privacy is a tactical control that the government uses to keep society in line and following the societal norms. The surge in technological advances throughout the years have compelled the individuals within our society to engage in actions that could possibly threaten our privacy. In Visible Man, Singer introduces a “panopticon”. In the past, philosopher Jeremy Bentham considered the idea of creating a building that could essentially spy on different members of society. However, Singer claims that although the building was never built, society itself has created their own “panopticon”. Our basic technological uses have made us vulnerable to those who collect and store our information easily. However, our society has decided to fight back. The website, wikileaks has been created in order to leak confidential information about the government and other organizations to society. However, the massive security and surveillance that exists today is a way of oppressing society and ensuring that they behave accordingly. In this case, Peter Singer uses logos to make the public realize that security and surveillance is a method of social control. Singer has come to the realization that our technology can help us in many aspects. Yet, Singer makes a compelling argument on whether or not our technology will “ be a form of tyranny or will it free us from tyranny” (Visible Man). The internet has many benefits.
It not only helps us receive and give out information but it has helped us progress immensely. However, Singer makes us question whether our technological advancements have a created a systematic control system ensured to oppress our actions and guarantee conventional behavior. There is no doubt that Singer utilizes pathos to appeal to our emotions and our disdain toward surveillance. Of course, no individuals wants to feel pressured into behaving ethically. Singer states, “For those who think privacy is an inalienable right, the modern surveillance culture is a means of controlling behavior and stifling dissent” (Visible Man). The truth is that the idea of the government peering into our lives, tapping our phone calls and intersecting our emails frightens us. The idea that we only behave properly as a result of the possibility that the government is controlling our every move is a truly frightening concept. However, Singer introduces a positive aspect of our technological uses. Singer introduces the question on whether our technology will liberate us from our oppressive government. Although technology does possess negative advantages, it does contain positive ones as well. Technology such as the internet has allowed us to create a voice for ourselves and fight back against surveillance. Websites such as wikileaks are a form of fighting back the oppressive regime. In addition, Singer brings up the question of whether technology has possibly …show more content…
stopped a plethora of terrorist attempts and even aided in saving an innocent man from unjust incarceration. Singer states, “We don’t really know how many terrorist plots have been foiled because of all this data gathering. We have even less idea how many innocent Americans were initially suspected of terrorism but not arrested because of the enhanced data gathering permitted under Patriot Act convinced law-enforcement agents of their innocence” (Visible Man). The question of whether or not our technology helps or affects us negatively is controversial. Society has had a tendency to use data gathering as a method essentially “harass” who or what they view as threatening.
However, while our technology could be used towards a malicious agenda, there those who use it to make society a better place. As members of society, we view videotaping as an invasion of privacy. However, Singer introduces surveillance in a new light. Singer explains how the the videotaping of Rodney King’s assault in 1991, could have served as a deterrent for future racism attacks (Visible Man). Surveillance in some aspect has served as a deterrent to many, “it has become an effective way of informing the world of abuses of power” (Visible
man). The use of technology in our modern day society is almost inevitable. The usage of social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter have made us susceptible to surveillance and data gathering. Everyday, we relinquish so much of our personal information and remain unaware that we could be on a watchlist. Peter Singer explains that as a society we have unknowingly allowed the government to peer inside our personal lives. Throughout the essay, Peter Singer's introduces compelling arguments whether surveillance and our technology could in fact create a better society or create an oppressive regime. While in fact our technology could have negative repercussions, we cannot forget that it has definitely reshaped our society and aided in informing us about the government and unjust crimes. In the end, Peter Singer presents an intriguing statement, “the world before wikileaks and Facebook may have seemed a more secure place, but to say whether it was a better world is much different” (Visible Man). In essence, while in the past we might have felt secure because we did not fear anyone watching us. In today’s world we have the comfort of knowing that if any crime or unjust action occurs, technology and surveillance could inform society.
The issues of how technology is influencing our nation today has come into play with social media and surveillance in our personal lives. We use twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. to express our opinions on things and as a voice to inform people on what’s going on in today’s society. We have learned how to use the tools we’ve been given to change our lives forever; our government has access to all of our personal information in exchange for our protection against terrorism. In Bijan Stephen’s article on “Black Lives Matter” and Rebecca McKinnon’s chapter on “the Arab Spring”, they both touch on the power of technology in negative and positive ways.
The word “privacy” has a different meaning in our society than it did in previous times. You can put on Privacy settings on Facebook, twitter, or any social media sights, however, nothing is truly personal and without others being able to view your information. You can get to know a person’s personal life simply by typing in their name in google. In the chronicle review, “Why Privacy Matters Even if You Have ‘Nothing to Hide,'" published on May 15th 2011, Professor Daniel J. Solove argues that the issue of privacy affects more than just individuals hiding a wrong. The nothing-to-hide argument pervades discussions about privacy. Solove starts talking about this argument right away in the article and discusses how the nothing-to-hide
Taylor, James Stacey. "In Praise of Big Brother: Why We Should Learn to Stop Worrying and Love Government Surveillance." Public Affairs Quarterly July 2005: 227-246.
There have been lots of modern technologies introduced in the United States of America to assist law enforcement agencies with crime prevention. But the use of body-worn cameras by police personnel brings about many unanswered questions and debate. Rising questions about the use of body cam are from concern citizens and law enforcement personnel. In this present day America, the use body cameras by all law enforcement personnel and agencies are one of the controversial topics being discussed on a daily base. Body worn cameras were adopted due to the alleged police brutality cases: for instance, the case of Michael Brown, an African-American who was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 2014, Eric Garner died as
Edward Snowden is America’s most recent controversial figure. People can’t decide if he is their hero or traitor. Nevertheless, his leaks on the U.S. government surveillance program, PRISM, demand an explanation. Many American citizens have been enraged by the thought of the government tracing their telecommunication systems. According to factbrowser.com 54% of internet users would rather have more online privacy, even at the risk of security (Facts Tagged with Privacy). They say it is an infringement on their privacy rights of the constitution. However, some of them don’t mind; they believe it will help thwart the acts of terrorists. Both sides make a good point, but the inevitable future is one where the government is adapting as technology is changing. In order for us to continue living in the new digital decade, we must accept the government’s ability to surveil us.
The twenty first century in the century of technology, where technology is heavily used in the people daily lives. One of the field where technology is being utilized in is monitoring people through cameras and phone calls. Although it might be interfering with people privacy, but it has its advantages that might outweigh the disadvantages. This essay will discuss both points of view, and try to decide which one is more reasonable than the other.
The feeling that someone is always watching, develops the inevitable, uncomfortable feeling that is displeasing to the mind. For years, the National Security Agency (NSA) has been monitoring people for what they call, “the greater good of the people” (Cole, February 2014). A program designed to protect the nation while it protects the walls within as it singles people out, sometimes by accident. Whether you are a normal citizen or a possible terrorist, the NSA can monitor you in a variation of ways. The privacy of technology has sparked debates across the world as to if the NSA is violating personal rights to privacy by collecting personal data such as, phone calls and text messages without reason or authorization (Wicker, 2011). Technology plays a key role in society’s day to day life. In life, humans expect privacy, even with their technology. In recent news, Edward Snowden leaked huge pieces from the NSA to the public, igniting these new controversies. Now, reforms are being pressed against the government’s throat as citizens fight for their rights. However, American citizens are slammed with the counterargument of the innocent forte the NSA tries to pass off in claims of good doing, such as how the NSA prevents terrorism. In fear of privacy violations, limitations should be put on the NSA to better protect the privacy of our honest citizens.
Whether the U.S. government should strongly keep monitoring U.S. citizens or not still is a long and fierce dispute. Recently, the debate became more brutal when technology, an indispensable tool for modern live, has been used by the law enforcement and national security officials to spy into American people’s domestic.
“Human beings are not meant to lose their anonymity and privacy,” Sarah Chalke. When using the web, web users’ information tend to be easily accessible to government officials or hackers. In Nicholas Carr’s “Tracking Is an Assault on Liberty,” Jim Harpers’ “Web Users Get As Much As They Give,” and Lori Andrews “Facebook is Using You” the topic of internet tracking stirred up many mixed views; however, some form of compromise can be reached on this issue, laws that enforces companies to inform the public on what personal information is being taken, creating advisements on social media about how web users can be more cautious to what kind of information they give out online, enabling your privacy settings and programs, eliminating weblining,
Most people concerned about the privacy implications of government surveillance aren’t arguing for no[sic] surveillance and absolute privacy. They’d be fine giving up some privacy as long as appropriate controls, limitations, oversight and accountability mechanisms were in place. ”(“5 Myths about Privacy”). The fight for privacy rights is by no means a recent conflict.
The world erupted in outrage following revelations by Edward Snowden regarding the extent of surveillance perform by the National Security Agency. Privacy becomes one of the hottest topic of 2013 and was chosen by the world’s most popular online dictionary, Dictionary.com, as the Word of the Year. However, the government is not the only one that conduct data gathering and surveillance. Employers often monitor their employees, and businesses collect data on theirs customer. The morality of these practices is a topic that generates heated debate.
As technology as advanced, so has our society. We are able to accomplish many tasks much easier, faster, and in effective ways. However, if looked at the harmful impact it has had on the society, one can realize that these are severe and really negative. One of the main concerns is privacy rights. Many people want that their information and personal data be kept in secrecy, however with today’s technology, privacy is almost impossible. No matter how hard one tries, information being leaked through technological advancements have become more and more common. With personal information being leaked, one does not know exactly how the information will be used, which validates the statement that privacy rights have been diminishing and should be brought to concern. Many people do not realize that their information is being used by third-parties and to consumer companies. In conclusion, technology has had a significant effect on privacy
Privacy is not just a fundamental right, it is also important to maintain a truly democratic society where all citizens are able to exist with relative comfort. Therefore, “[Monitoring citizens without their knowledge] is a major threat to democracies all around the world.” (William Binney.) This is a logical opinion because without freedom of expression and privacy, every dictatorship in history has implemented some form of surveillance upon its citizens as a method of control.
Technology is constantly changing, growing, and evolving but with each change in technology we risk our own privacy. With each new update we get we are told it improves our network or life but in reality it makes it easier to invade our privacy just like in the novel 1984 by George Orwell. There are many parallels between 1984 and our present day like the over watchful eyes of the government for our own good.
Perhaps the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, said it best when he claimed that privacy is no longer a “social norm.” Virtually everyone has a smart phone and everyone has social media. We continue to disclose private information willingly and the private information we’re not disclosing willingly is being extracted from our accounts anyway. Technology certainly makes these things possible. However, there is an urgent need to make laws and regulations to protect against the stuff we’re not personally disclosing. It’s unsettling to think we are living in 1984 in the 21st century.