Government surveillance, or the monitoring of individuals and their online activities, is a highly debated dilemma in the cyber world. Used as a means of national security, it can also be used to abuse power and breach privacy. Creating discussions all around the world on the cybersecurity debate.
Government Surveillance includes the monitoring of individuals’ call logs, search history, and other online activities that serve to protect and prevent crimes that involve online activities. Given the improving rates of technology in our modern times, the monitoring of the online behaviors of individuals can be crucial for the Government to counteract the cyber crimes and threats that pose trouble.
However, Individuals are given the right to privacy. Privacy through the Fourth Amendment, while not prohibiting Government Surveillance, it gives protection to people’s privacy and establishes a right to the people against the abuse of power that can be used against them in unwarranted searches and breaches of their Cyber activities.
With all considerations, Government Surveillance must be conducted in respect of the privacy of civilians. Acting within the limits and boundaries of Legal amendments and the transparency expected from the Government. Keeping both the Freedom of the people and maintaining safety on a national level.
