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Abstract Quote by Barack Obama

“I think it's important to recognize that you can't have 100 per cent security and also then have 100 per cent privacy and zero inconvenience… In the abstract you can complain about Big Brother and how this is a potential program run amok, but when you actually look at the details then I think…” quote by Barack Obama
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“I think it's important to recognize that you can't have 100 per cent security and also then have 100 per cent privacy and zero inconvenience… In the abstract you can complain about Big Brother and how this is a potential program run amok, but when you actually look at the details then I think we've struck the right balance.”

Barack Obama

About This Quote

Source Speech: Remarks at the White House Cybersecurity Summit, 2015

Balancing security and privacy requires trade‑offs; perfect security or privacy is unrealistic, so a pragmatic compromise is needed.

In simple terms: Security and privacy can't both be perfect; compromise is necessary.

Key Takeaway

Accept realistic trade‑offs.

Themes

security privacy policy technology governance

Mood

cautious pragmatic reflective

Type

policy analytical thought‑provoking

When to use this quote

  • government regulation
  • corporate data handling
  • personal data decisions
  • national security planning

Key Concepts

risk management civil liberties cybersecurity public trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we decide the acceptable level of inconvenience for security?
  • What safeguards ensure the balance remains fair?
A Different Perspective

Achieving absolute security or privacy is impossible and may hinder functionality.

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