Instructions
Answer questions in response of at least 300 words that completely answers the questions. In addition to the thread, must also reply to at least 2 threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words. Must use complete paragraphs, proper APA formatting, and cite information that is not his/her own.
Thread
Consider user privacy. Using biblical support, discuss the responsibilities of a Christian to protect his/her belongings. In a separate paragraph, should government have authority to monitor its citizens’ Internet traffic?
Reply #1
There are some Biblical aspects that can be found when considering user privacy. Christians are tasked to protect and support that which is good from that which is evil. In the forever raging war against the devil and sin, it is a Christian’s job to stand firm and lend strength to the light of God and to be an example of God’s spirit. Hackers and other malicious people attempt to wrongfully breach, steal, or damage data that rightfully belong to other people who likely don’t deserve to be wronged. God commands Christians to protect those who are unable to protect themselves and to also try and prevent evil actions from occurring when able to. This is shown in Proverbs 21:15 which states, “It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. (KJV)” Thievery is a sin and Christian’s should endeavor to put a stop to any stealing they encounter. This includes their own belongings and the belongings of others. This is supported by Exodus 20:15 which says, “You shall not steal.”
Whether or not the government should have the authority to monitor its citizens’ Internet traffic is a tricky and complex question. On one hand, a person’s privacy is very important to uphold and no one, especially the government, should have the amount of power that breaching said privacy would entail. On the other hand though, being able to monitor internet traffic may help to stop would be criminals from committing crimes as the government would be alerted to people searching for criminal related information and sites. I believe the best answer is really a gray one, a compromise of sorts. Instead of being able to freely monitor internet traffic, the government should have systems in place that only pick up key danger words, such as ‘bomb’, ‘terrorist’, or ‘murder’. While not perfect, it should be noted that rarely is any system ever perfect and this is honestly the best that can be achieved at present time. The government is, unfortunately, gaining more power as it was approved for the NSA to resume collecting mass data on US citizens as well as possibly even citizens from other nations (Hammond, 2019). Luckily, the NSA do still need to acquire warrant in order to receive a person’s browsing history and information (Dewey, 2013).
Reply #2
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes”(Ephesians 6:11, NIV). When we consider user privacy, we must also consider what they are trying to keep protected and private. These days, all of our personal information is online, among it our banking information, our social security information, both of which hold great significance to our identity.”With identity theft, a major concern for both businesses and consumers, you should be careful of any combination of information that could be used to open or access an account”(Johnson, 2015, p.42). Not only is identity theft a serious threat but also the threat of potential attacks to our devices. If we were to be hacked all information of those devices would be gone or worst out there for the whole world to see. As Christians it is our responsibility to protect what was ours, but with peace dignity and with the help of God. Privacy is a right all are entitled to and a benefit we have not only the right but ability to fight for. “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze”(2 Samuel 22:35).
Now as we discuss what authorities the government should have when it comes to our privacy, specifically Internet traffic, we need to keep in mind the severity of the situation in question. Hence the big debate on the ethical aspect of their access. While I agree that its good idea, I am also scared of what could amount of the monitoring, after all the people monitoring are only humans. With that said, on the other side of the debate, my question is what is the problem if you have nothing to hide, especially if the major reason for monitoring is for safety? With everything being technology related, crimes have moved to the webs as well. “In light of the move to Internet-based communications, that have largely replaced many traditional services, police and intelligence services are understandably concerned that criminal activities that take place on, or make use of, the Internet should be subject to investigation and punishment”(Wright, 2013). However, though I see a potential danger with where the government decides to stop and draw a line on what they are monitoring, we have to remember that what one might think is in the best interest for all, others may not have the same mindset.
