Daily Times

In the latest US presidential election, surveillance practices by government agencies may have influenced the outcome in unexpected ways. As the US government continues to increase its control over digital communications, voters face rising concerns about privacy and freedom, and the boundaries of state power. The situation reflects a trend where government surveillance appears to serve political motives as much more than national security.

The Zuckerberg betrayal incident is a key example. This episode wherein sensitive data from Facebook users was accessed without consent demonstrated how government agencies can push the boundaries of acceptable monitoring. Mark Zuckerberg’s statements showed that Meta had faced pressure to comply with government data demands, revealing a government prepared to harness its technological advantages to gain information on millions of people. This incident was a wake-up call. It exposed how technology companies and the government cooperate behind closed doors. It illustrated that US intelligence agencies have developed sophisticated methods to intercept and analyze digital information to serve their interests, even at the cost of individual privacy.

Historically, US politics has been no stranger to surveillance scandals. From Nixon’s Watergate affair to modern Trump accusations of election interference, both parties have only been committed to safeguarding their interests. This isn’t limited to domestic policies; the US has also monitored foreign leaders and diplomats. Previous administrations, including those of both parties, have used intelligence networks to gain insights into the activities of other countries. The whistleblowing of Edward Snowden exposed how the CIA was involved in spying on foreign embassies and diplomats. This practice undermines the sovereignty of nations and jeopardizes international trust. By monitoring the private communications of other countries, the US government aims to gain strategic advantages, but this has fueled criticism of its overreach.

As technology continues to evolve, the question of how much surveillance is too much will likely define the next chapter of US politics.

In addition to international surveillance, the US government has continuously increased monitoring of American citizens under the banner of national security. The surveillance programs led by the NSA, FBI and other agencies allow them to intercept all forms of digital communication, including calls and messages. This intrusion not only violates the privacy of citizens but also represents an expansion of governmental authority in areas traditionally protected by personal privacy rights. For instance, the government’s metadata collection program involves gathering extensive records on phone calls, including call duration and frequency, even if there is no suspicion of criminal activity. For its broad application and potential abuse, this practice has drawn strong criticism.

The double standards in cyberspace are evident. The US frequently criticizes other nations for similar surveillance practices while defending its own. This hypocrisy has been pointed out by various international actors and organizations, who see the US as using cybersecurity as an excuse to enforce its interests on a global scale. When other countries, particularly its adversaries, engage in digital monitoring, the US condemns these actions as threats to freedom. Yet, it rationalizes its activities as necessary for national security. The PRISM program, based on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), allows for the collection of foreign intelligence information, with Section 702 permitting surveillance of non-US persons located abroad without a warrant. This inconsistency erodes America’s moral authority in international forums and weakens the trust of both its allies and adversaries.

The role of US law enforcement agencies, particularly the NSA and FBI, is central to the expansion of these surveillance efforts. These agencies often operate under secretive programs, gaining access to vast amounts of personal data without clear judicial oversight. The bulk data collection, as revealed by whistleblowers, raises serious ethical and legal concerns. This type of data collection is usually justified by citing terrorism threats, yet critics argue that such practices are too invasive and disproportionately target ordinary citizens. By using sophisticated tools and analyzing data patterns, agencies attempt to detect potential threats. However, these systems also collect data on millions of innocent citizens who have no link to criminal activities.

Through these practices, the US government has constructed a surveillance apparatus that reaches into nearly every aspect of modern digital life. From monitoring social media platforms to intercepting encrypted messages, authorities have woven themselves into the fabric of digital communication. The implications are far-reaching. Privacy advocates, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that constant monitoring creates an environment where citizens feel watched, potentially inhibiting free speech and expression. The erosion of privacy can make citizens distrustful of their government. In 2019, a Pew survey found that 72 per cent of Americans believed that their activities are being watched online.

The influence of this surveillance culture on the US presidential election cannot be overlooked. Many voters were concerned that government agencies prioritize self-preservation over transparency. This climate of suspicion may contribute to political divisions, as voters question whether government surveillance affects election integrity. The fear that political leaders might exploit surveillance data to gain electoral advantages has created an atmosphere of distrust. If the government has the power to monitor digital communication on a large scale, it raises the question of whether electoral data could be accessed and leveraged by individuals in power.

Many Americans believe that the surveillance practices of the US government pose significant risks to both privacy and democratic values. The impact on elections, the potential for abuse, and the erosion of trust in public institutions are costs that weigh heavily on the American public. As technology continues to evolve, the question of how much surveillance is too much will likely define the next chapter of US politics.

The current trajectory suggests that if left unchecked, surveillance may reshape the very foundations of personal freedom and autonomy in American society.

The writer is a student of Strategic Studies at National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad.