It's up to citizens to save US
Updated: 2013-07-04 10:22
(China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
Former CIA agent and US National Security Agency operative Edward Snowden's expose of Washington's Internet surveillance program is getting on the nerves of the US government. But the scandal reveals the US government's hypocritical policies and the double standards it adopts when it comes to cyber security, democracy and human rights, says an article on gmw.cn. Excerpts:
The US government has accused the Chinese military of encroaching on American cyberspace and hacking into its intelligence network. It's an irony that the US government is trying to play the victim despite possessing the most powerful information technology network in the world.
The fact is that the US not only uses military might to further its foreign policies, but also tampers with its own taxpayers' data.
Apart from the PRISM project, which Snowden exposed, other US spying programs of the US government may remain undetected and undisclosed. And American citizens, who supposedly enjoy the right to privacy, may remain under constant surveillance, which is a far cry from the avowed US principle of giving the public the final say.
Recently, the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the most influential NGOs, sued the US federal government for running the surveillance program which infringes on individuals' rights and privacy. Internet giants such as Microsoft, Facebook, Apple and Yahoo, too, have been implicated in the surveillance scandal.
The response of the American public and media to the surveillance program is a test for the country's democracy. Spying projects like PRISM violate individuals' privacy and freedom of expression. The US is standing at a crossroads, and only the American people can save it from becoming a police state.
Related Stories
Obama orders US to review aid to Egypt 2013-07-04 07:35
New NSA spying allegations rile European allies 2013-07-01 06:41
Secret documents show NSA spying on EU offices 2013-06-30 09:40
NSA whistleblower Snowden leaks top secrets 2013-07-03 13:39
Today's Top News
Woman executed for drug trafficking
Shanghai gets go-ahead for free trade zone
Obama, Merkel agree talks on surveillance program
China urges more efficient uses of fiscal funds
Egypt army topples president Morsi
Pilot flight for Internet on Air China services
Frankfurt aims to be key yuan center
China boosts handling of nuke emergencies
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Graduates face grim hunt for job |
Parents learn a lesson on homes |
Taking the reins of great change |
Lifting the veil of feng shui |
A growing thirst for water safety |
Justice, Tibet style |