Privacy Versus Security in the Age of Global Terror

"Mario Silva's latest book Privacy and Security in the Age of Global Terror tackles one of the central legal and political predicaments that defines our times. Cyber security has become a worldwide issue, and where it has been found ineffective, a sense of vulnerability has developed in society. The internet-age has challenged the implications and execution of both personal and national protection and security, and stirred issues about the concept of privacy. The privacy of an individual in any country is a prime duty of both governmental and non-governmental agencies. Due to rapid transformations in technology, it has become a difficult task for governments to give assurances of privacy to their individual citizens. Technological advancement has seen a proliferation of hackers-with the help of hooks and spooks-who steal consumer data and misuse it for profit. At the same time, the threat of terrorism has instigated the use of new surveillance technologies to track and collect information on a massive scale, potentially threatening individuals and raising questions about fundamental right of privacy. The balance between security and privacy has seemed like an almost impossible task in the age of global terrorism. Recently, Glenn Greenwald's book on whistleblower Edward Snowden and the National Security Agency thrust the issue of state surveillance back into the public consciousness. Unrestricted mass surveillance by the US government has largely eliminated the right to privacy in a world that virtually relies upon electronic communication. The current level of surveillance occurring in contemporary society is inconsistent with human rights. Privacy and Security in the Age of Global Terror Protection offers an insightful and timely look at how privacy has become one of the critical issues of discussion in this technological world. As internet democracy is one of the largest emerging agendas, Dr. Silva looks at how reformed practices are required to ensure to ensure protection against the surveillance of individuals."--