Watch What You Say, You Never Know Who is Listening

The National Security Agency

Recently many Americans have been complaining about the National Security Agency invading our privacy. However, has the NSA over stepped their boundaries? Their surveillance on our phone calls and text messages may seem creepy at first, but it’s for our own protection. The NSA stores all phone records within a database system called, Accumulo. This system contains our phone numbers, locations, who you call and the duration. In case of an emergency or a dangerous situation they are able to access our information with ease.  Sources inform that the vast majority of people are still anonymous even in this sea of data: There’s just too much data to care until someone pops up in the bad guys’ networks or gets on the agency’s radar.

Therefore if people do not want government to interfere with their personal calls, then they shouldn’t do or say anything to become suspicious suspects. When a person purchases a cell phone, we sign a contract that lists the companies' private policies under the terms and conditions. The policy lists all information that is automatically collected by the phone companies. Technically as soon as we sign that contract the wireless provider has the authority to release our information if the National Security Agency provides a warrant. As far as the internet goes, many people already have access to what you post. Everything you expose on websites and social networks are now open to the public and remain there for years. Setting your Facebook or Twitter account to private does not block hackers or the NSA. Even your boss can look at how you present yourself on social media. So always think twice about the things you post online.

In today’s society the only way to truly protect your private matters is to stay away from technology. However, this is a new generation that revolves around the use of phones and computers. We have grown an attachment to our beloved telecommunications. Would you be more willing to give up your privacy or your cell phone? Which one holds the most value to you?The National Security Agency is just doing their job to protect our country from domestic terrorism. Perhaps Congress should start monitoring the agency more efficiently to ensure they do not abuse their privileges. People should try to be more understanding towards the concept of monitoring dangerous calls and the government should find ways to keep the NSA in line.