CHOOSING SECURITY OVER FREEDOM: THE INTERSECTION OF TECHNOLOGY AND PRIVACY IN A POST-9/11 WORLD

Abstract

The September 11, 2001 terror attacks had a far-reaching, global impact. Within the United States, lawmakers rapidly sought to address the aftermath by passing strong anti-terrorism policies. Other nations followed suit. At first, few people dared to question the implications of these policies. Nearly two decades later, technological advancements and a heightened concern over governmental restrictions on liberty are forcing policymakers to reexamine the legality of governmental invasions of privacy in the name of national security. This Paper examines the reach of U.S. anti-terrorism policies and their impact on individual privacy, the realities of similar policies in the United Kingdom, and the effectiveness of these policies in protecting national security. Additionally, this Paper explores the tension between privacy and security interests, both at home and abroad.