Introduction to Surveillance Studies

LEGISLATION

KEY CONCEPTS

• the lawmaking process

• laws related to privacy and freedom

• the balance between surveillance, security, and individual rights

Introduction

Privacy and freedom are not easily protected. People with personal or commercial agendas are often quick to impose them on others. The long history of emancipation from slavery, and various gender and ethnic inequities (many of which were formerly sanctioned by law) illustrates that freedom isn’t always freely given—it must be carefully monitored and protected. There have been many recent proposals to protect freedoms that are at risk due to the proliferation of surveillance devices—some have been tabled, others enacted into law.

Federal laws and guidelines are proposed by ...