I. Introduction: The right to privacy is not expressly captured in the constitution; however, there are provisions that limit the government intrusion into a person’s right to privacy. This is evident in the events public purpose is pursued such as passing legislation or enforcing law and order. The constitution only protects individuals from the government.
A. Current Problem: The conflict between privacy rights and government surveillance efforts.
B .Area of focus: The government surveillance systems and the citizens.
II. Thesis statement: . It is important that stricter surveillance measures are adopted to ensure we are protected from real threats. We need to sacrifice a small amount of our privacy for the greater safety of our country
III. Background
Stricter surveillance is currently in place to reduce threats of terrorism and crime. The government surveillance entails the collection, monitoring, decoding, analysis, and translation of information. It is prudent to note that the surveillance agencies carry out these activities through clandestine methods such as use of subversive software and bugging electronic devices.
IV. Major Point:. Pros of the government surveillance.
Minor Point 1: The surveillance agencies tasked with the role of safeguarding the government information and communication systems from any threats
Minor Point 2: In order to enjoy privacy as a liberty, the government must regulate it. All freedoms come with responsibility, privacy included. We should understand that as much as our privacy rights are protected in the constitutions, not all individuals use these rights well.
Minor Point 3: The surveillance systems also do not tamper with the real contents of peoples ‘private information but rather the frequency, pattern of the information and communication addresses. This information enables the agencies to construct proper evidence or leads to detect any crime or terrorism threats.
Minor Point 4: The surveillance too has never harmed any individual directly. It is thus baseless for any individual to cite that the surveillance was breaching any code of ethics.
VI. Major Point: Cons of the government surveillance on civilians
Minor point:They argue that liberty is more fragile than security. The encroachment of privacy rights by the authorities can take a country back in terms of progress on the liberty front.
Minor Point: Privacy fuels confidence that makes people feel totally secure. The critics argue that people would feel oppressed due to the loss of their privacy rights that are dear to them.
Minor point: Privacy can be self-regulated; the government should only raise awareness on how individuals ought to manage their privacy rights.
VII. Conclusion
It is time people realized the modern day crimes thrive due to this freedom that has been abused by many. With freedom comes responsibility, privacy demands responsibility too. Stringent measures should be adopted in order to protect the greater humanity from crimes that are shielded behind the privacy cloak.
Restatement of Thesis: It is important for individuals to understand that security and protection for all can be achieved through sacrificing a little of our privacy rights. It is only through security that all other liberties are or can be safeguarded.
Step to be taken: Raising awareness of the merits of the government surveillance. The authorities should define what surveillance entails and how citizens can be proactive in security matters.
