We know we’re being watched, but are we okay with it?

We all knew it was happening somehow, we just didn’t know that the services we trust and depend on almost daily would be directly implicated. When we can’t see something and we’re not sure if it really exists it doesn’t bother us that much. However now that we know PRISM exists and we have some proof, we feel uneasy.

I have spent the last few days assessing my thoughts about the revelation of PRISM and what the NSA and US government are up to on a global scale. I wanted to really understand why this upset me. I can appreciate that they are being proactive with regards to protecting the US (and allies) from threats. I am also pretty sure there is no law protecting me. I’m not a US citizen or resident, and therefore have no rights as expressed in that country’s constitution.

Suddenly, I realised why I was upset. If you read President Obama’s remarks and the statement by the Director of National Intelligence, it’s very clear that non-US citizens and residents are more so targets of PRISM (and related activity). Why does this revelation upset me so much? It’s simple really (maybe silly too).

I have always felt that the Internet was something separate from the “real world”. An unofficial state that works in a weird and wonderful way. I’ve long had this idea that one day we could all be recognised as fellow citizens of the internet, borders would seem a little meaningless. However it’s clear that the internet isn’t that free yet. We as citizens of the world are still governed by the laws of the land in which we reside and by extension the way in which we use the internet.

As a South African citizen and resident, I too have a constitution that affords me many of the rights in South Africa that US citizens enjoy in the United States of America. The same rings true for citizens of other countries all around the globe. However in this instance it means nothing. It’s useless. I can’t use it to fight against the NSA invading my privacy. I realised I’m upset because I don’t feel like I have any grounds or rights to fight back. I have to hope that US citizens fight on behalf of us global citizens of the Internet and not just for their own domestic interests.

I don’t think it’s okay for us to be watched in such a broad manner, without cause, and without transparent protocols and procedures for doing so. On the tip of Africa, I doubt my government cares enough to act. Perhaps the Europeans can have an impact. I just hope this doesn’t become the status quo for the future.

This article by Tyler Reed originally appeared on Tylerreed.com and is republished with permission.

Image: Paul Lowry (via Flickr).