What do Americans think of NSA surveillance

[Valin]

AEIdeas:

 

Karlyn Bowman and Andrew Rugg

July 8, 2013

 

The July/August edition of AEIs Political Report shows that attitudes towards the NSA surveillance program have more twists and turns than a spy novel. Levels of support fluctuate from question to question, often reflecting subtle changes in the question wording. But surveys generally show more support than opposition to the program, although support comes with conditions.

 

When told the federal governments National Security Agency collects extensive records of phone calls as well as internet data . . . to try to identify possible terrorist threats, 58% supported the program and 39% opposed it. But when asked about the governments collection of telephone and Internet data as part of anti-terrorism efforts, 48% approved and 47% disapproved.

 

 

A question that emphasizes privacy from Time/ABTSRBI suggests that many think the governments surveillance efforts have gone too far, despite a narrow plurality in the survey approving of the federal governments policy of surveillance. A plurality of 43% thought the government should cut back on programs that threaten privacy. Twenty-eight percent said the government strikes the right balance between protection and privacy, while 20% thought the government should do more.

 

 

(Snip)

 

With unease about privacy and concern about security pulling people in different directions, most people do not want to abandon programs like the NSA surveillance program. Most Americans seem willing to trade some privacy for security, but are unsure about the right combination.

 

 

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The problem is (IMO) What answer do you want?

 

 

And I am still waiting for an answer to my question....What Do You Want To Do?.