National Security Agency Surveillance - 1896 Words

In January of 2014, news agencies reported on the National Security Agencys (NSA) use of â€Å"leaky† mobile phone applications to obtain private user information. The United States government has admitted to spying on its citizens, but claims that doing so is the best way to protect the U.S. from foreign threats. Certain smartphone applications, such as the popular Angry Birds game, inadvertently transmit personal user information, such as age, gender, ethnicity, marital status and current location, collectively known as the users metadata, across the internet[1]. As part of their world-wide telecommunications surveillance for terrorism or other criminal activity, the NSA exploits these security holes in smartphone applications, by collecting and storing user data. While many users are unaware of the information leaks in their mobile applications, most people would certainly prefer to keep such information private [2]. Smartphones know almost everything about who we are, what we do, and where we go, but how much of that information does the government have the right to know and possess? Is it ethical for the United States government to collect and track the cell phone data of its citizens in the name of national defense, or does that violate the citizens right to personal privacy? NSA surveillance of private user data of U.S. citizens is the best method of protection against terrorism and is also legal under the Constitution. By examining these two components, it is plain toShow MoreRelatedSurveillance And The National Security Agency1729 Words   |  7 Pagestypes of surveillance now-a-days. The thought of it has come a long way and it has evolved significantly. There are many pros and cons as to surveillance in today’s world. Also, there are many different ways that technology allows people to get surveillance on many different things such as people, where they go, who they talk to, private information, and so much more. Surveillance and secur ity in the United States has also changed significantly since September 11th, 2001. The National Security AgencyRead MoreNational Security Agency: Global Surveillance841 Words   |  3 PagesNational Security Agency: Global Surveillance Have you ever pondered on the fact that the government could be observing that text message you just sent to your best friend or what you just looked up on your computer? American citizens were puzzled when they first heard Edward Snowden address the media on the astonishing truths of the NSA and their surveillance. Today, I will undertake both sides of this troubling wrangle, the debate between the supporters and the critics of the NSA. My positionRead MoreThe Surveillance Operations of the National Security Agency1946 Words   |  8 Pagestake certain actions in order to provide security from those who seek to harm its citizens. But to what extent do the citizens of the United States knowingly authorize the actions that are necessary for their protection, and to what extent are they unaware or even purposefully deluded about the nature of such actions? The leaking of documents by Edward Snowden beginning in June 2013 that revealed the surveillance operations of the National Security Agency, or NSA, drew international attention toRead MoreThe Legality Of Mass Surveillance By The National Security Agency Essay1941 Words   |  8 PagesThe Legality of Mass Surveillance by the National Security Agency The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution states, â€Å"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This statement has long been a fundamental piece of the law that makes up the foundation of the United States of America. In recent years, however, many citizens have come to believe that their Fourth Amendment RightRead MorePursuit of Privacy and The National Security Agency1695 Words   |  7 PagesOfficially given its name on the fourth of November 1952, the National Security Agency was developed to ensure the safety of American citizens (Howe 11). In an effort to prevent any unauthorized spying on innocent civilians a court known as FISA was created in 1978 to regulate the NSA. Up until the events of September 11th, 2001, the NSA was used strictly as a tool for foreign investigation to decipher international communications (â€Å"Frequently As ked Questions About NSA† 1). Twenty-three days afterRead MoreWhy Snowden Is A Hero Or A Traitor?1691 Words   |  7 PagesEdward Snowden’s disclosures about the National Intelligence Agency surveillance extension is some of the most comprehensive news in recent history. It has incited a ferocious debate over national security and information privacy. As the U.S government deliberates various reform proposals, arguments continue on whether Snowden is a hero or a traitor (Simcox, 2015). No place to hide, is a 2014 non-fiction book by the former constitutional lawyer and author Glenn Greenwald. He argues in favour ofRead MoreGovernment Surveillance Should Not Be A Better Medium Between Liberty And Security1093 Words   |  5 PagesGovernment Surveillance The fight to obtain a happy medium between liberty and security continues to be a hard fought game of Tug-of-War. Considering the profusion of various opinions and ideas on the subject of government surveillance there will never be a solution that will satisfy everyone but there is one that will satisfy the majority. There are many logical rationales on the proper course of action whether it is in favor of the National Security Agency (NSA), against them, or a whole otherRead MoreThe Nsa s Prism Program Information Without Public Knowledge1079 Words   |  5 Pageswhether the government has a right to access unlimited amounts of information without public knowledge, has been a popular topic of debate among not only our nation, but others as well. This all started when Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance analyst, told the world that the NSA had a program that was using the servers of U.S internet companies to gather information. Snowden leaked a docu ment, detailing his findings about the NSA’s PRISM program retrieving informationRead MoreTaking a Look at Government Surveillance1776 Words   |  7 PagesGovernment Surveillance The primary goal of the government since its founding has been to ensure the safety of citizens. It has developed an array of methods, procedures, and systems to achieve that goal. Throughout the years there has been some form of criticism regarding its methods. The most recent cause for public disapproval and concern stems from government surveillance brought to the light by former contractor of the National Security Agency (NSA), Edward Snowden. Snowden has brought attentionRead MoreCapabilities And Limitations Of The Ic Hls System Of Theu.s.1735 Words   |  7 PagesS. Government has created new agencies and intelligence centers, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), and enhanced the capabilities of others, such as the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) counterterrorism role, to combat existing and future national security threats. The majority of Americans are aware of these agencies and their basic roles; who and how intelligence information needed to defeat national security threats is gathered, analyzed