Some governments today seek to monitor the general public’s

electronic communications(in the form of phone calls, texts and

emails) saying that this reduces crime. Many people oppose
this, however, saying that it erodes individual freedom. Discuss
the aspects of this debate and give your own conclusion to the
discussion.
Numerous authorities attempt implementing programs that allows
them to surveil their citizens’ electronic communications, such as
phone calls, messages and emails, while others firmly oppose the idea.
This essay will discuss both opinions and state a concluding view.

On the one hand, supporters of the idea that governments should

monitor the general public’s computerised exchange of information
claim that such a measure enables the law enforcement agencies to
combat felonies in their incipital stages. Also, they believe that if the
executive possessed such a power, the tendency to commit illicit
actions would be discouraged. For example, with the help of national
intelligence services which keep people under constant surveilance,
Chinese Security Department destructured numerous human
trafficking networks from their country.

On the other hand, those who oppose that idea consider that such a
measure is undesirable for the generic community, as it vigorously
interfere with their privacy. The fundamental right of personal
intimacy on communication platforms is infringed by enabling a
third-party moderate the exchanged data, and this programme
should be considered only for the problematic individuals, like ex-
convicts. They also suggest that developing and operating such a
regulation would require extensive financial and human resources,
which could be used to improve society’s well-being. For instance,
russian population protests against the regime’s expenses on
surveillance and demand a better monetary investment scheme.

To conclude, although crime rates could be diminished after

empowering the law enforcement department with such a privilege, I
consider that individuals’ fundamental right to privacy is to be
respected.