Introduction
PRISM is a classified mass data collection program run by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), which was revealed to the public by whistleblower Edward Snowden in 2013. The program is designed to gather vast amounts of data from major tech companies, including Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. This controversial program has raised questions about privacy, surveillance, and government overreach.
Origins
PRISM was created after the passage of the Patriot Act following the September 11 attacks. Its primary goal was to intercept and monitor foreign communications that could pose a threat to U.S. security. Over time, however, its scope expanded to include the surveillance of American citizens without proper warrants or oversight.
Theories and Evidence
- The NSA’s Reach: Documents revealed that the NSA could access and monitor emails, phone calls, and even live communications of individuals across the globe.
- Collaboration with Tech Giants: The program’s integration with major tech companies has sparked accusations of government collusion to bypass constitutional protections on privacy.
- The Snowden Effect: Edward Snowden’s leak of the program’s existence ignited a worldwide debate on civil liberties and state surveillance.
Critical Analysis
While PRISM may be seen as a necessary tool for national security, it also exemplifies the dark side of modern surveillance practices, leading to concerns about government control, the erosion of privacy, and the potential for abuse.