Why NSA's PRISM Program Makes Sense
The National Security Agency's headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland is the nexus for signals-intelligence activity in the intelligence community. The agency's Prism program is designed to intercept terrorist and other hostile traffic on the Internet …
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Vivacom modifies prices of prepaid mobile internet packages
Bulgarian operator Vivacom has changed the prices of its prepaid 'Easy Traffic' mobile internet packages. Following the changes, customers are able to surf the web via its 3G network at BGN 0.01 per 1 MB without being tied to a contract. Another …
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Global netizens worried over US spying
Privacy activists concerned over the U.S. National Security Agency's selective monitoring of Internet traffic called on people to take measures to better protect their digital data ranging from emails to photos to social network posts. But most people …
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Popular Questions
Why does the NSA’s PRISM program make sense as a counterterrorism tool?
The program can make sense as a targeted way to obtain foreign intelligence about suspected terrorism, espionage, and cyber threats. Access to communications held by major technology providers may help analysts connect individuals, locations, and plans that would otherwise remain hidden. Its value depends on strict targeting rules, lawful authorization, and meaningful oversight rather than unrestricted collection.
Why might the NSA’s PRISM program make sense for identifying international threats?
Modern threats often involve people who communicate across borders and use online services hosted in several countries. A structured intelligence program can help investigators detect relationships and warning signs more quickly than relying only on traditional methods. To remain justified, searches should be limited to legitimate foreign-intelligence purposes and separated from routine monitoring of Americans.
Why does saying the NSA’s PRISM program makes sense not eliminate privacy concerns?
A security rationale does not make every form of surveillance acceptable. Communications involving innocent people can be collected incidentally, and misuse or weak safeguards could expose sensitive personal information. Strong minimization procedures, court review, congressional oversight, transparency reports, and penalties for abuse are necessary safeguards.
What conditions would make the NSA’s PRISM program make sense to the public?
Public acceptance is more likely when officials clearly explain the program’s purpose, legal authority, limits, and measurable results. Independent inspectors and courts should be able to review how information is obtained, searched, retained, and shared. Regular reporting and credible consequences for violations can show that national-security benefits are being weighed against civil-liberties costs.