The Was on Terrorism essays

The Was on Terrorism essays Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the government have implemented several means in their attempt to safeguard the United States against further terrorism. President George Bush has gone as far as searching for war in order to justify the phrase the war on terrorism. The Governments war has however come dangerously close to home. Means of electronic survey and data storage have become to play an increasingly large role in security measures against terrorism. The problem is that these measures have become so stringent that they impact seriously on the rights of law-abiding citizens, while doing little of concrete value to curb the threat of terrorism. In terms of the constitution and the right of American citizens, I believe that the use of technology in the war on terrorism is becoming increasingly dangerous not for terrorists, but for ordinary citizens. The PATRIOT Act was implemented just after the 9/11 attacks in an attempt by the Government to communicate commitment to safeguarding American citizens. According to Stefanie Olson (2001), the Act provides government with increased electronic surveillance, search and data gathering power. Under the guise of tracking down potential terrorists, the expansion of Internet eavesdropping technology provides the government with full viewing rights into any private life they choose. In this way, immigrants who enter the country and conduct their business in a perfectly legal manner are now targeted for such surveys. Olson (2001) also mentions the technology known as Carnivore. This is technology by means of which Internet communication can be surveyed and stored by the Government. Investigators are now allowed not only to tap phones without the knowledge of citizens, but also to gather private information from Internet users without their knowledge. Under the act, the previous pen register is expanded to include not only ...