Government surveillance can work two ways: as a shield or as a sword. On one hand, it is an important and crucial tool that can protect people. On the other, it can be used as a weapon to control and terrorize citizens.

Technology plays a big role in our lives. Almost everyone uses the Internet, email, text messaging, and/or cell phones in their daily lives. It’s nearly impossible to avoid technology especially since it comes in forms so easily accessible, such as small devices that we carry in our pockets. Teens in particular have lives that revolve around technology, with all the social networking sites and the latest “apps” available on their cell phones. This connection to technology not only gives people access to the world at any place and at any time, but also leaves each individual open to others as well.

The NSA (National Security Agency) is one of the largest intelligence organizations in the U.S. It primarily works to gather and analyze data for foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. In recent years, this has also started to include the surveillance of individuals, U.S. citizens or not. All the new forms of communication are being monitored, such as the Internet or cell phones, through wiretapping.

The first thought some would think is, “The government can’t monitor what we do on personal devices, that’s a violation of our rights!” Critics would likely turn to the Fourth Amendment in the Bill of Rights, which says unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant are prohibited. They claim that the government may misuse the information they receive.

There is another side. They say government surveillance can be used effectively to stop terrorist attacks both within and outside the U.S. Advocates of government surveillance say this “invasion of privacy” is necessary for the safety of American citizens. What if a threat was sitting right next to you, planning an attack in the next hour? The NSA could play a major role in preventing such things. They also argue that the amount of government surveillance isn’t much more than the information that citizens already give to them. The infinitesimal amount of privacy given up to protect millions of U.S. citizens is a small price to pay.

There is a fine line between taking precautions and overstepping boundaries. So in our nation, where is the line drawn?


Mina Suh
Sunny Hills High School
12th Grade