Homeland Security Protection Vs. Privacy

As the threat of terrorism grows, so does the threat to privacy.

American society changed considerably after Sept. 11, 2001, when national vulnerabilities were exposed in a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. But while national security demands a closer watch on foreign and domestic threats, the additional surveillance and police powers dilute many of the rights to privacy many Americans take for granted.

About Homeland Security

President George W. Bush created the Department of Homeland Security shortly after terrorists bombed the World Trade Center and Pentagon in synchronized 2001 attacks. Congress also enacted the USA PATRIOT Act, giving the federal government unprecedented powers to watch the people who live in the United States.

The Need For Security

The 9/11 Commission Report, released in 2004, cast a great deal of blame on intelligence failures. But even before the commission convened, several security measures were already in place. Access to federal buildings and airplanes was tightened, police powers--notably with the FBI--were broadened and travel restrictions added.

The Call For Privacy

But this extra security comes at a price, as several factions of Americans say their civil rights are eroding. The fact the FBI no longer needs probable cause to search someone's records is a worry to many. Plus, newer technology makes it easier for law enforcement to perform surveillance, build a database or track someone's habits. Many more politically conservative citizens complain about loss of privacy, citing Amendment IX of the U.S. Constitution prohibiting "unreasonable searches and seizures." In answer to these concerns the Homeland Security Department added a branch to help safeguard individual liberties by setting internal policy, but many citizens are not willing to trust the federal government to protect their rights.

A Whole New World

People wishing to travel see longer wait times at airports and more invasive personal and baggage searches. Others opening bank accounts notice their identifications are checked more stringently. And someone leaving a bag on a bus or in a taxicab is likely to trigger a police call and a visit from the bomb squad.

Keeping Up With the Threat

As security threats develop, new policies are implemented after the fact. After Richard Reid attempted to detonate a bomb hidden in his shoes during a transatlantic flight in late 2001, airline passengers were asked to remove their shoes for inspection before boarding.

Precedents

The United States government enacted short-term laws and policies during times of other real or perceived national crises, starting with the Alien and Sedition Acts in the late 1700s. Since then, national policies included suspension of habeus corpus rights during the War Between The States, the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, and "Red scares" in the 20th Century. Surveillance was increased during these times and suspicion became grounds for arrest, but these efforts were not backed with the technology that was available in post-2001 times.

References

• The 9/11 Commission Report; Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton; 2005
• Department of Homeland Security: Privacy Office
• Bill Of Rights Defense Committee: The Homeland Security Act
• General Accounting Office: Homeland Security