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Access Quote by Edward Snowden

“In the United States the White House has appointed two different independent panels who had full access to classified information for the last 10 years that master balance has been in place in the United States, and they found that despite intercepting the calls - everybody in the country, - it…” quote by Edward Snowden
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“In the United States the White House has appointed two different independent panels who had full access to classified information for the last 10 years that master balance has been in place in the United States, and they found that despite intercepting the calls - everybody in the country, - it had never stopped a single terrorist attack. So the question is, why would these officials be pursuing these policies, if we know they don't work, if they don't stop terrorism?”

Edward Snowden

About This Quote

Source Interview: Surveillance Critique, 2023

Despite extensive surveillance capabilities, no terrorist attacks have been prevented, questioning the effectiveness of such policies.

In simple terms: Surveillance hasn’t stopped terrorism.

Key Takeaway

Reevaluate security strategies.

Themes

politics technology ethics

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • government oversight
  • civil liberties advocacy
  • security planning
  • public debate

Key Concepts

surveillance efficacy terrorism prevention policy analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why continue ineffective policies?
  • What alternatives could work better?
A Different Perspective

Security measures may have indirect benefits.

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