Privacy, Technology and National Security

Catalog description

Course explores the impact of new and developing surveillance and data collection technologies on personal privacy and individual liberty. In-depth examination of conceptions of privacy and the extent to which privacy rights are protected by the Constitution, statutory law, and policy. Examines how government surveillance expanded during the post-World War II period, the abuses uncovered by the Church Committee in the 1970s, new expansions of government surveillance powers after 9/11, and the programs revealed by Edward Snowden in 2011. Explores how data collection and analysis by big tech companies impact personal privacy and consider the need for regulation of these companies' activities.