In today’s face-paced world, mobile phone indisputably has become an inseparable part of contemporary societies. Some argue that authorities should be given permission to access phone call records and text messages to ensure the safety, while others confront the idea saying that it is a private space, and that kind of information should only be accessed if permitted. This essay will elaborate both point of views as each of them have their own merits, and worth to be discussed further. At the end of the essay, I will propose my personal opinion.
On the one hand, the proponent who side the view that governments should have the authority to gather records of individuals’ conversation over the phone and text messages, suggest that it is the most effective measure to protect the country from major cases that threatening the safety of the citizen such as terrorism, cyber-crimes, and frauds. By gaining access to phone records and texts, the authorities might be able to monitor potential threats, and prevent major catastrophic by decoding encrypted messages gathered from the phone calls.
On the other hand, the opponent argue that telephone conversation and messages should remain private because it is related to the individuals’ freedom to exercise their rights. Therefore, governments should not cross this boundary. Especially, in this modern civilization where democracy has become the foundation of many countries globally, infiltration to people’s private matter is a big sin. Thus, national security issues should not be used by the governments as a weapon against the citizens.
Having said that, in my personal perspective, considering the development of the current global issues regarding the safety of a particular nation, it understandable if effective measure should be taken to avoid harmful repercussions that might destroy the country by giving access to the authority. However, this policy should be implemented strictly to prevent the abuse of power.