NSA Dragnets

The NSA data dragnet implementation was a widely disputed ethical issue. I feel personally that the privacy freedoms I give up in order to prevent terrorism are acceptable. My phone calls from my wife to remind me to pick up bread or milk from the store aren’t all that interesting anyhow. However, I will admit that if the dragnet information was published as being simply a means for the government to track every ones actions, I would feel it an immoral invasion of privacy. For me, the price benefit of anti-terror netting makes me feel safe, even though the entire system has a “Big Brother” feel to it. “If Congress fails to act, several key provisions of the law would expire, including the bulk collection; a provision allowing so-called roving wiretaps, which the FBI uses for criminals who frequently switch cell phones; and a third that makes it easier to obtain a warrant to target a ‘lone wolf’ terror suspect who has no provable links to a terrorist organization” (Pergram, 2015). Although civil liberties are being sacrificed for this law to proceed, I do feel that the greater good is prevailing and we must place a higher importance on life over privacy.

Reference

Pergram, C. (2015, May 20). DOJ warns NSA data dragnet program could lapse amid Hill impasse. Retrieved May 21, 2015, from http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/05/20/doj-warns-nsa-may-have-to-wind-down-bulk-collection-rand-paul-launches-lengthy/