Thursday, October 4, 2001

Reality Bytes
Communications lines must be free

“They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Benjamin Franklin’s quote is a loaded statement, especially since the Senate unanimously approved legislation to expand government surveillance powers.

After Sept. 11, things will never be normal. But sacrificing our freedom and basic rights in the name of security is not the answer. If we give the government the power to intercept communication, including through use of the Internet, we walk a dangerous line.

If we give up those liberties, not only do we shake the foundations of American government as established in 1787, but we give in to fear.

The Internet is no different than any other type of communication. It is simply a new and different way to exchange information. The same privacy regulations should apply for the Internet as with traditional forms of communications. The new powers granted to the FBI by the Senate could not have prevented the terrorist attacks.

Even before that dark Tuesday, government agencies could monitor individuals’ phone lines and other types of communications within limits.

Internet service providers can be used to track down the actual real-time location of a computer-user. Every time files are downloaded or sent using the Internet, ISP addresses are exchanged. Individuals with the resources can find out detailed information, considering it all started with a long set of numbers.

TCU system administrators have the ability to peruse e-mails and other information of anyone who accesses the TCU network. However, Dave Edmondson, assistant provost for Information Services, says unless there is evidence to warrant a need for an invasion of privacy, the user must authorize the system administrator before e-mails or telephone communications may be monitored.

Either way, the ability and technological resources are readily available to monitor communications.

But as significant as Ben Franklin’s words were then they hold more value even today to make sure our basic freedoms remain intact.