Question

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution secures the right of privacy. It protects American citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. Advancements in technology have raised issues regarding this protected right. Explain the reasons for governmental surveillance of electronic communications, and the fear associated with these actions.

Answer 1

Advancements in technology have raised issues regarding this protected right. Explain the reasons for governmental surveillance of electronic communications, and the fear associated with these actions.

The governmental surveillance using electronic communications implies, that the government could be recording whatever is being done by a citizen. This recording could be by the help of cameras or phones or drones. Today, the world has become digital. This global digitisation has paved way for attacks through the cyber front. The fourth amendment helps in securing American citizen from any unreasonable seizure or searches. With these technologies becoming an integral part of the lives of people, there require to be regulatory laws for the use of video recording or electronic surveillance. Though, electronic surveillance has become a common phenomena, the government only employs these surveillance devices at public places. In order to record within the properties of an individual, the officials require court permission.

The government justifies the use of electronic surveillance in the name of safety. It becomes understandable that use of such devices are only done to monitor activities outside the houses, such that any suspicious activity that might pose a threat to the citizens of the country could be monitored and controlled. Though the rights of the citizens ensured that unreasonable searches cannot be done, it also implies that searches and monitoring at public places is reasonable and for the greater good. This amendment would be more applicable if any unreasonable search was to be taking place within the house of the citizen, where the police would invade without a warrant and start looking around the house.

Although, fear associated are that the police might search the premises of a citizen without a warrant, via the use of drones, where, direct invasion would not be required. In such cases, there is a heavy chance of misuse.