Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act

several roles that the United States government undertakes, and principle among these roles is the role of protector. The United States government (hereafter referred to as “government”) is charged with protecting its citizens from dangers, both foreign and domestic. The Declaration of Independence is the first to highlight the government’s role as protector by stating that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and “to secure these rights, Governments are instituted

security. The Foreign Intelligence Act, better known as the ‘FISA’ Act was passed through legislation simply to be utilized as another active device to gain intelligence on those who are supposed to be free. Due to a new spur of terrorism in the world the United States believed there were changes to be made. The FISA Act was later ratified to include the Patriot Act which is a direct threat to the nation’s freedom if used for anything other than its intended purpose. Before the Patriot Act was put in

Introduction to Mass Surveillance Throughout the history of the United States, the government has spied on its citizens by using NSA’s surveillance program. Under the program, the National Security Agency was monitoring calls, emails, facebook posts, text messages, and internet activities used by people all over the world; in order to fight terrorism, prevent social unrest, and to protect the national security. While there are many different opinions on mass surveillance. NSA is breaking our First-Amendment

National Security Agency to conduct domestic and foreign surveillance. With the passing of the Executive Order 12333 in 1981, and the FISA in 1978, the NSA gained legal justification to conduct surveillance for national security purposes. After the September 11 attacks, the Patriot Act also passed, providing further basis for conducting surveillance. Using its legal justification, NSA has been successful in preventing national attacks using its surveillance to monitor suspected criminals and to attempt

While it is impressive that the Patriot Act passed so quickly through congress, it is not all that surprising as in the wake of 9/11 the public was demanding legislative change that would prevent future terrorist attacks. Congress may have also been further motivated to pass legislation that would attempt to help prevent terrorism in the future due to the anthrax attacks in the weeks following the 9/11 attacks, two of which targeted Democratic Senators. It is also not uncommon for Congress to pass

and special reports with the participation of military experts in retirement, which further intimidated the American population. This is in line with the Orwellian theme of psychological manipulation through perpetual war. The news that the US intelligence agencies monitor the millions of Internet users has caused a huge outcry. Human rights groups along with ordinary Americans saw this issue as an attack on their civil rights and

terrorist groups. They are increasing their attacks on government, military and civilian installations. According to James Clapper (the Director of National Intelligence) these threats have become so severe. It is surpassing terrorism as the greatest challenge facing the nation. In response, the National Security Agency (NSA) began conducting surveillance on those who are involved in these activities and others which are threat to US national security interests. This program became so broad; it started

United States government surveillance in its earliest form can be traced back to the countries roots. During the American Revolution there were secret writings and codes being deciphered. During the Civil War wiretapping was used to intercept telegraph lines. Afterwards, the telephone was a new device that was tapped into in order to record calls of others. So through time and with each new invention we see a new way we can be monitored. Today, the art of war and the tactics to supervise the possible

of the Patriot Act in 2001 was no exception to this controversy. The

Domestic Surveillance and its Importance in Society In recent years, terrorism in the United States has increased exponentially, causing the apparent need for domestic surveillance. Domestic surveillance, a subsection of intelligence gathering, assists in obtaining critical information regarding terrorism in the United States and other countries. It allows the government to monitor and access private information, such as call logs, of American citizens. The surveillance of data also aids government