Surveillance and Privacy

The right to privacy has been central to democratic society since its inception. In turbulent times, the desire for enhanced national security is often seen to trump an individual's right to privacy. Along with laws permitting expanded government control over the lives of its people, technology has increased the potential for surveillance of the average citizen. This project reviews the concept of privacy rights and the history of privacy. Secondly, it examines the changes to privacy rights that have occurred due to recent events, and evaluate if any significant enhancement to security is thereby achieved. Finally, it provides recommendations on how personal and public security can be enhanced while remaining sensitive to privacy considerations.