ethics-in-information-technology

Please review the attached article by Roger A Grimes from InfoWorld of June 5, 2015, entitled “Don’t fall for the USA ‘Freedom” Act.” [Roger Grimes has been an InfoWorld security columnist since 2005, holds over 40 computer certifications, and has authored eight books on computer security.] The article states, “One small part of a single NSA data collection program was barely modified and we’re supposed to celebrate. Instead of the NSA directly capturing and holding the metadata for every American citizen’s cellphone conversation, the telecommunication companies must hold on to it for the NSA, and the NSA can access it through the federal court system with little trouble.”

The following questions regarding the USA Freedom Act are asked for this discussion:

  • Considering the USA Freedom Act, does its passage guarantee that the average U.S. citizen will now enjoy more freedom or privacy or does its passage simply mean that the NSA will cease reliance on cell phone metadata and increase its reliance upon other tools* in its tool box, concentrating on the Internet? Please explain why or why not?
  • Has poor knowledge of our civil liberties by the general citizenry, regarding the Bill of Rights, been a factor in the continued government infringement of American’s civil liberties? Please explain why or why not?
  • In light of the current problems with ISIS, should some form of the NSA monitoring program, be continued? Please explain why or why not?

*FYI – Other tools include: Pen Registers; The Pre-Patriot Act Business Records Provision; An ECPA “D Order”; National Security Letters (NSLs); FISA Warrants, and Administrative or Grand Jury Subpoenas and further information regarding them may be found at https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2015/05/dont-worry-g…

Please feel free to comment as you see fit!

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