Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” While this was written in the context of an eighteenth-century taxation dispute, its general principle as it relates to personal liberties like privacy couldn’t be more relevant today. But does it hold true? Some may argue that if government surveillance and data collection could prevent the next 9/11 terrorist attack, Sandy Hook school shooting, or election interference, then it is worth sacrificing some privacy rights.
In your discussion, contemplate the above and address the following questions:
The U.S. Constitution and most legislation protects citizens from government intrusion of privacy rights. Do you support more regulations to protect your privacy from government and private industry? Why or why not?
Thinking about the surveillance and collection of your personal data, do you agree with the statement, “If you didn’t do anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about?”
