Panelists answered the following: Are you OK with the National Security Agency collecting records from U.S. cell phone customers for counterterrorism efforts?
Marty Richman: “No, it’s overkill and constitutionally questionable. They should concentrate where they have probable cause and/or foreign connections. Even when they find something such as the Fort Hood shooter, they don’t have resources to follow it up because they are so busy listening to everyone and everything.”
Ruth Erickson: “No, ‘Big Brother’ should be put on a diet!”
Mary Zanger: “No, I am not OK with the massive NSA collection of U.S. customer cell phone records. Legally this interpretation of the Patriot Act is broadly overextended. The physical storage of such records requires massive new buildings in Utah. These records are not useful until they are ‘combed’ and contracted out to other companies with appropriate software. Targeting records and phone calls as was done with the Boston Marathon Bombers is efficient counterterrorism activity. Nothing beats specificity. However, this secretive, powerful, non-specific, inefficient, illegal, mass targeting obstructs freedom and democracy.”
Richard Herrera: “Yes. We must balance national security and privacy but I believe keeping Americans safe is more important.”
