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The truth about global surveillance: Why are our every steps being watched?
In today's society, global surveillance has become a norm, whether on city streets, on the edges of the Internet, or in every corner of private life. Our actions, words and data are all being monitored. Although some people believe that this is a necessary measure to maintain social security, there are also many voices calling for such surveillance to gradually cause us to lose privacy and freedom.
"Every action is recorded, every voice is monitored. This is not what a free society should look like."
Countries around the world are also increasing their investment in surveillance. In the United States, for example, the National Security Agency (NSA) has been widely questioned for its massive surveillance programs. In China, the government's surveillance system is even more efficient. Through technologies such as facial recognition and network monitoring, the almost ubiquitous electronic targets make citizens live in fear.
"Some countries even install cameras in public places just to find the traditional sense of order."
But what makes such surveillance legal? The legality of these measures varies widely depending on the legal and social environment of each country. In some countries, these actions are seen as necessary to protect the nation; in others they are condemned as an invasion of privacy.
For example, in 2013, Edward Snowden leaked classified documents from the U.S. National Security Agency, exposing its large-scale surveillance practices, which in turn sparked a global discussion on privacy rights and civil liberties. In addition, Internet monitoring agencies in many countries are becoming increasingly strengthened. For example, in Malaysia, the police have set up a special agency to use real-time monitoring technology to prevent crime.
"In some cases, surveillance technology has been used beyond its original purpose and has become a tool for governments to suppress dissenting voices."
It is worth noting that this surveillance trend is not limited to governments, many companies also play an important role in data collection and monitoring. Platforms such as social media and search engines collect user data all the time and use this information for targeted advertising. This is, to some extent, due to users' lack of awareness of privacy protection.
However, this is not an unsolvable problem. As people pay more attention to their privacy rights, a series of protection measures have begun to emerge around the world. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) promoted by the European Union regulates the way personal data is processed and attempts to give citizens more control.
"If we don't take the initiative to protect our privacy, what kind of life will we have in the future?"
How should we choose between freedom and security? Lessons from the past tell us that excessive surveillance can only lead to greater human rights violations and social instability. Should future surveillance measures therefore be limited by greater transparency and oversight? Can we find a new balance that ensures security while maintaining freedom? In this uncertain time, how should we think about the boundary between our right to privacy and government surveillance?
