Absolute Power The right to privacy means controlling your own personal information and the ability to allow or deny access to others. As Americans, we feel it's a right not a privilege to have privacy. IT technology and the events of September 11, 2001 are diminishing that right, whether its workplace privacy or personal privacy. From sending email, applying for a job, or even using the telephone, Americans right to privacy is in danger. Personal and professional information is being stored, link, transferred, shared, and even sold without your permission or knowledge. IT technology has benefited mankind tremendously in so many areas, but its also comes with a price. Advancements in technology make all individuals vulnerable to …show more content…

It is quite another to press for the enactment of sweeping new powers for law enforcement that directly affect the civil liberties of the American people without due deliberation by the peoples' elected representatives (H.R.3162, 2001).
Most Americans were in shock over the events of September 11th, 2001. Congress and the Bush Administration believed they needed a bill passed to protect America. Senator Feingold understood the reasoning behind the bill, but he also realized what future harm the bill may cause. Senator Feingold also knew that electronic communication privacy was also at risk with the USA PATRIOT Act. He was troubled by the methods that could be used to combat computer crime. The bill gives law enforcement the license to monitor computer activity with the permission of the owner, without a warrant. Senator Feingold believed this was justified in cases of hacking or denial of service attacks, but believed the way the bill was drafted could be a potential for abuse. He states: the provision might permit an employer to give permission to the police to monitor the email of an employee who has used her computer at work to shop for Christmas gifts. Or someone who uses a computer at a library or at school and happens to go to a gambling or pornography site in violation of the Internet use policies of the library or the university might also be subjected to