Privacy & security

"Is National Security More Important Than Individual Right To Privacy?" A Student Debate

The affirmative side came out swinging with remarkably agile arguments that national security and surveillance offer greater public protection, especially for minorities, immigrants, and the LGBTQ community. Departing from the position that privacy is not an inherent US constitutional right and that Americans sacrifice some privacy as part of their social contract with their nation, this side asserted that national security is the foundation for a pluralist, inclusive society. These debaters presented the American social contract as closer to John Locke than Thomas Hobbes, the latter being absolute and the former allowing for dissent and dialogue. In sum, the affirmative team presented national security as key for a functioning public sphere where people can be safe in their work and public activities.