by Rebecca Costanza, opinion editor
The U.S government spies on Americans everyday. They can spy through people’s phones and even turn on cameras when they are turned off.
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The NASA inserted its code into Android’s operating system, bugging three quarters of the world’s operating system. This is a violation of people’s privacy. Having access to personal information that can be stored on someone’s phone should be illegal. In addition to spying on people through their phones, the government can view what people are doing through their webcams and microphones.
“I feel it’s an invasion of personal privacy. In today’s day and age with our technology, cameras are always spying on us and the chances of us having privacy are lower and lower,” Senior Amr Mohammed said.
Although spying on citizens can invade privacy, it has been more urgent than ever. The government has been monitoring America heavily since the 9/11 attack. Technology has been set up by law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for anyone planning an attack. The FBI is also building a database with names and personal information of thousands of U.S citizens and residents whom a police officer or citizen may have believed to be acting suspiciously.
“I believe it is necessary for the government to watch out for terrorism and people who are up to no good. It can prevent another attack from happening,” Junior Stephanie Mantilla said.
Overall, it is an invasion of privacy for the government to spy on its citizens. Although it can be beneficial to keep an eye out for terrorism, they should not be spying on non-suspicious people. Article 8 of the Human Rights Act states that “Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and correspondence.” Spying on innocent citizens clearly breaches this agreement. It is completely unfair to the public.
“Government surveillance is needed, but it must be restricted. They are overstepping on the limitations of citizen’s privacies,” senior Joshua Vergara said.
