Privacy vs. Security

Personal Reflection, Class Article.

In class a team read an article about privacy vs. security, and we clearly saw that we could make a debate out of it.

Whenever there have been national emergencies, the rights and civil liberties of the public have been curtailed, and in many instances revoked completely. As technology has grown in leaps and bounds over the last three decades, it has also brought with it new challenges to protecting people's privacy and curbing privacy violations. In general, the public feels an increased sense of intrusion and loss of privacy. The new proposed measures by governments impact privacy and civil liberties.

For instance, The United Kingdom is the most controlled city in the world. They most probably catch criminals quickly, but innocent people are also watch over and followed. But precisely that is what means security; the degree of protection against danger, loss, and criminals. Security must take into account the actions of people attempting to cause destruction.

In my opinion, security is more important than privacy, is preferable to take some time in a register in an airport where they make you an extensive check, instead of living a terrorist attack that might get you into a difficult situation or even death. I think there are more benefits from security than the liberties and privacy ones.

Some of the benefits I am talking about are:

ü Reduces obvious threats and risks.

ü Can prove a deterrent

ü Can increase public safety by making identification of thousands of criminals and other offenders easier

ü Could reveal plans of suspects proactively to provide advance warning

ü Better background checks before entering the country reduces chances of threat

The proposed increases in security measures may be beneficial for the common good if it implemented in an impartial way throughout the community, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic group. Accountability and transparency in law enforcement procedures, especially concerning privacy issues must still be preserved, despite recent attacks. The judicial system must be empowered to deal effectively with any abuses of proposed security measures to protect the constitutional rights and liberties of all citizens. It should also ensure that anyone accused has adequate legal representation and a fair chance to prove their innocence, even under these circumstances. Ensure that the current atmosphere of rich ethnic and cultural diversity of the country living in peace with one another is not compromised. In one approach suggested by Mr. Etzioni, an expert on privacy-related issues, an optimal balance between personal privacy and the community good must be achieved, with both being given due importance.

However, privacy could be limited when it is in the interests of the common good, especially in areas of public safety and public health. The decision-making process could involve asking the following questions:

· Is this a real, tangible problem that we are facing?

· If it is, can we handle it without impacting/violating privacy at all?

· If not, can we handle it by making it as less intrusive as possible?

Any of you has another opinion?