The Patriot Act was passed into law in 2001 as a result of the radical policy changes made by the US following the 9/11 attacks. This law's passage was intended to increase the nation's domestic security by establishing a reliable method of detecting and preventing terrorist activities. Additionally, the legislation was intended to track down and bring to justice any international terrorists who have taken refuge in the US. (Kashan, 2010). Once more, the Act, which includes a review of over fifteen statutes, contains a number of provisions that aim to close existing information-sharing gaps among different governmental agencies. Several sections in the Patriot Act offer efficient methods for catching terrorists. For instance, the provision that allows for the access of records gives the government the right to acquire any tangible evidence that is associated with a terrorism investigation. Unlike the conventional search and seizure concepts, this provision does not allow the government to prove suspicion prior to carrying out investigations; hence, it violates individual privacy. Moreover, roving wiretap is a provision that permits the government to acquire surveillance orders; however, it ensures that one's identity and area for tapping remain discreet. Moreover, the information sharing provision demands information exchange between various criminal departments, intelligence bodies, and other government agencies. Ideally, this eliminates challenges that hinder intelligence and criminal investigations. According to Abramson & Godoy (2006), information sharing provision allows the unlimited exchange of data because investigators do not have to explain the information. Since the Patriot Act was enacted, it has been very important in terms of safeguarding Americans from terrorist actions. Although the Act has been contested, it has greatly enhanced America's counter-terrorism efforts in different ways. Specifically, the Patriot Act allows investigators to use surveillance technology to combat terrorism, fight organized crimes and also drug syndicates (Abramson & Godoy, 2006). Essentially, the Patriot Act has enhanced counter-terrorism activities through the elimination of obstacles that hinder coordination between law enforcers and national defense programs to safeguard citizens and foster national security. Basically, information sharing has facilitated coordination among government agencies in exposing terror activities before they occur (Abramson & Godoy, 2006). Before, the Act was enacted; United States counter-terrorism attempts were insufficient as some government agencies were not aware of what other agencies were doing. The Patriot Act has come with an increase in penalties for convicted terrorists. Essentially, the move has significantly increased counter-terrorism attempts because of the high penalty imposed on persons involved in terrorism domestically and globally (Kashan, 2010). Nonetheless, the Patriot Act also focuses on improving counter-terrorism strategies by updating the law to reflect the modern technology and address new threats. For example, the Act permits victims of computer hacking to get assistance from law enforcers to monitor unauthorized users on their computers. Additionally, the law gives law enforcers power to get a search warrant at any location of terrorist-association operation. Nonetheless, irrespective of the good objectives of the statute, it has brought to the fore several standpoints since it became law. Subsequently, it is paramount to examine the moral and homeland security effects of the Patriot Act particularly with respect to its authorization of surveillance, search & seizure.
Questions
What ethical issues arise from the implementation of the Patriotic Act for software developers and business in the wake of loose controls?
Is the Patriot Act a framework that allows the U.S government to breach the civil liberties of Americans?
How does the Patriot Act legitimize the abuse of power when it comes to the traditional search and seizure?
References
Abramson, L., & Godoy, M. (2006). The Patriot Act: Key Controversies. National Public Radio. Online: http://www. npr. org/news/specials/patriotact/patriotact provisions. html.
Kashan, S. (2010). The USA Patriot Act: Impact on Freedoms and Civil Liberties. ESSAI, 7(29), 86-90.
