Security Desirers

Although it is agreed by most that privacy is desirable on some level, there have been two main approaches when considering to what extent we should put our desire for privacy above all else. The first approach it what I will call the “privacy desirers” camp where this group places privacy hierarchically above security and technology. In this camp, privacy is considered a natural inclination for humans while mass surveillance restricts this desire and psychologically alters human behaviors. These behavioral changes could make people become more conformist, obedient, or afraid. The other camp is what I will call the “technology and security desirers” camp where ultimately humanity chose to obtain the benefits of technology and security rather

Harcourt argues that security is not like a Panopticon, as society is not a punitive society, but rather a society that has chosen to participate and to willingly expose ourselves to those surveilling us. Harcourt establishes that through our phones, email, social media, and other mundane actions, we expose ourselves and our inner thoughts to any who want to see. As an example, Harcourt discusses Google, where users willingly contribute data to Google even though Google is using this information for targeted advertisements (Harcourt 103). More broadly, Harcourt equates security to an amusement park, where large amounts of people are drawn in by multiple spectacles. In this amusement park, everyone is enjoying themselves, but are constantly being monitored, perhaps to the consumers’ reassurance (Harcourt 93-94). These spectacles, namely technological devices such as Google products as Harcourt mentions, draw consumers in and ultimately cause them to sacrifice their right to privacy. Harcourt is similar to Simon where both believe that society chose the benefits of technology over maintaining individual privacy, however Harcourt largely ignores the aspect of security as a factor in choosing surveillance over

For example, if someone agrees with the “privacy desirers” camp, then overall that individual must value privacy above technology or national security. Therefore if given a choice between maintaining their privacy, or using technology under surveillance such as an iPhone or the internet, that person will always choose maintaining their privacy. As a consequence, “privacy desirers” can become isolated from the world as technology is now becoming the standard medium to communicate with the rest of the world. Additionally, choosing privacy over maintaining national security can lead to potential terrorist attacks as mass surveillance is used as a tool for national defense. For the “technology and security desirers”, individuals siding with this camp can enjoy technology and using mass surveillance as a tool for defense, but will have limited privacy. “Technology and security desirers” will have to be surveilled in order to enjoy the benefits of technology and security and must sacrifice their right to privacy. Additionally, sacrificing one’s privacy may lead to the psychological effects mentioned by the “privacy desirers”, which could create a more conformist or fearful society. Siding with either camp will present consequences, as one cannot have unrestricted privacy, use technology, and have national security at the same time. One must have to sacrifice one value to gain