Reader Response Final Draft

In the article “Who’s the true enemy of internet freedom -China, Russia or the U.S?”, Morozov (2015) asserts that though Russia and China restrict internet freedom to maintain their technological sovereignty on their land, it is the U.S that exploits internet freedom to assert its digital sovereignty globally. It is reported in the article that the U.S have great interest in the information that is serviced by its companies but stored elsewhere. Finally the author concludes that countries, like Russia and China, are imposing stricter internet censorship and control over their citizens’ data not just to control domestic tensions, but in response to the growing technological supremacy of the U.S.

It is necessary for other nations to restrict the usage of foreign internet and communication services so as to avoid unauthorised surveillance of their citizens’ data by any other nations, particularly the U.S who conduct mass surveillance globally.

The act of retrieval of anyone’s personal or important data without their acknowledgement creates a sense of eeriness. This issue has been attended in the past. As stated in the report “Privacy and Human Rights”, written by Privacy International (n.d), the Universal Declaration, 1948, specifically protected territorial and communications privacy. Now the rules should be much stricter and modified to be applicable in this technological era. But on the other hand, the retrieval of online personal data by the U.S seems to increase and happen globally. This act of the U.S strongly justifies the banning of Gmail, an American email service, in China.

Mass surveillance is the intricate surveillance of the whole or substantial fraction of a populace. It is often conducted or controlled by the government and is done concerning the security of its nation. To avoid the misuse of the data retrieved, every nation has its own set of rules controlling such surveillance activities. According to Harding, in the article “Mass surveillance is fundamental threat to human rights, says European report”, the way the U.S   retrieves users’ data globally is against the laws of other nations. Harding also points out that there are veiled and poorly examined laws and courts that justify such mass surveillance.

 

As these surveillance are carried undercover, no one knows how and which data are retrieved. This increases the vulnerability of not just users’ data but any nations’ official and private information which are now being stored on computers. This can be supported by the revelations of the NSA’s plans by Edward J. Snowden who told that the agency has plans to even retrieve data from computers which are not connected to the outside world (Perlroth and Sanger, 2015).

U.S companies are well established across the globe and that their services cannot be easily replaced by domestic companies in other countries (Morozov, 2015). Hence, the only immediate way to reduce mass surveillance is by restricting the usage of foreign internet and communication services in one’s nation. In the meanwhile, they should invest in the development of their technological and communication sector. If such steps are not taken now, replacing American communication services, which aid mass surveillance by the U.S, in one’s country might become a very difficult task. Just like how a nation can determine what information its citizen have access to on the internet, the U.S might be able to do it across the world with its growing power in technology. If the U.S easily gains access to the data, serviced by its company elsewhere, today, it might be able to even alter the data without anyone’s acknowledgement in the future.

(586 words)

Reference:

Morozov, P. (2015, January 4). Who’s the true enemy of the internet freedom – China, Russia, or the U.S? The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/04/internet-freedom-china-russia-us-google-microsoft-digital-sovereignty

Bainsar, D., Davis, S. (n.d). Privacy and Human Rights-An International Survey of Privacy Laws and Practice. Retrieved from http://gilc.org/privacy/survey/intro.html

Harding, P. (2015, January 26). Mass surveillance is fundamental threat to human rights, says European report. The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/26/mass-surveillance-threat-human-rights-council-europe

Perlroth, N., Sanger, D. E. (2015, February 16). U.S. Embedded Spyware Overseas, Report Claims. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/17/technology/spyware-embedded-by-us-in-foreign-networks-security-firm-says.html 

READER RESPONSE DRAFT 3

In the article “Who’s the true enemy of internet freedom -China, Russia or the U.S”, Morozov (2015) asserts that though Russia and China restrict internet freedom to maintain their technological sovereignty on their land, it is the U.S that exploits internet freedom to assert its digital sovereignty globally. It is reported in the article that the U.S have great interest in the information that are serviced by their companies but stored elsewhere. Finally the author concludes that countries are imposing stricter internet censorship and control over their citizens’ data not just in response to domestic tension, but concerning the growing technological supremacy of the U.S.

 I strongly agree with the author’s assertion. However I would further go by adding that the U.S does not only exert its supremacy in technology but in many other areas; and that its influence often had positive impacts.

There has been rise and fall of regional and global powers since the age of civilization. A well-known example will be the Imperial rule, which was not a pleasant experience for many. In this age, the U.S seems to emerge as a global power. Through its diplomatic ways, it is able to influence world’s politics, power, military and many more. However, its “regime” appears to keep it most of poeple across the globe happy.

With its great influence in military and politics, the U.S has helped relieve tensions in many countries, particularly its allies. For example, when the Iraq tried to take over Kuwait in the 1990, the U.S sent its military troops in support of the smaller nation Kuwait (Johns, in.d). In 1950s to late 1900, it helped Vietnam to end communism, though it was not successful. Currently, the U.S along with other nations is taking serious actions to bring down the atrocities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

The world is facing many issues together, like the fuel shortage and the increase of terrorism and corruption. At this point of time, many might think that the U.S is taking advantage of its authoritative position by interfering into these issues. Indeed, I believe that the U.S is leading this world in the right way to solve the issues. For example, the U.S relaxed its military control over its storage of oil that has helped the oil prices to decrease in the recent times. Referring back to the article, Morozov tells us that the U.S urges internet freedom but exploits it to retrieve data serviced by its companies globally. But Morozov fails to tell us the reasons for the Americans to behave hypocritical. On one hand, internet freedom is slowly emerging as a basic freedom, as many spend most of their time on the internet. In times of domestic tensions, such freedom has helped people to share or report the actual situation and to summon for necessary help. On the other hand, internet freedom can also be used as a powerful tool by terrorists. This then necessitates for the data in the cyber world to be inspected.

In response to Morozov’s article, I would like to suggest that several nations could come together and form a committee to handle retrieving and screening data. And at the same time they should abide by strict rules to ensure internet freedom.

As stated previously, the rise and fall of powers are not something new, it is cyclical. In my opinion, no one can stop a nation from flourishing and becoming powerful, as long as it develops itself in a legitimate way and benefits everyone equally. In this context, the domination of the U.S in technological and in many other sectors cannot be held wrong.

(606 words)

Reference:

Morozov, P. (2015, January 4). Who’s the true enemy of the internet freedom – China, Russia, or the U.S? The Guardian. Retrieved from

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/04/internet-freedom-china-russia-us-google-microsoft-digital-sovereignty

John, D. (in.d). The Crimes of Saddam Hussein:1990 Invasion of Kuwait. Frontline World. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/iraq501/events_kuwait.html

READER RESPONSE DRAFT 2

In the article “Who the true enemy of internet freedom -China, Russia or the U.S”, Morozov (2015) asserts that though Russia and China restrict internet freedom to maintain their technological sovereignty on their land, it is the U.S that exploits internet freedom to assert its digital sovereignty globally. Not just Russia and China, but other countries like Brazil also take actions to reduce their dependence on American-run communication services. And Morozov also points out that these actions are condemned by the U.S. It is reported in the article that the U.S have great interest in the information that are serviced by their companies but stored elsewhere. Finally the author concludes that countries are imposing stricter internet censorship and control over their citizens’ data not just in response to domestic tension, but concerning the growing technological supremacy of the U.S. I strongly agree with the author’s assertion. However I would further go by adding that the U.S does not only exert its supremacy in technology but in many other areas. But on the whole, it appears that the U.S leads the world, through its influence, in the right way.

The United States is a powerful country. Through its diplomatic ways, it is able to influence world’s politics, power, military and many more. Like what Morozov points out in his article, the American companies aim to only give the best services that cannot be easily replaced by other companies abroad. It is an heavy competitor in the market. Any country could have developed this much if they had used such strategies like the U.S. But will they return to the world as much they take? But the U.S seems to.

U.S invested money across the world. And thereby has huge inflow of wealth, of which a part was used to develop its powerful military. With its great influence in military and politics it has helped relieve tensions in many countries, particularly its allies. For example, when the Iraq tried to take over Kuwait in the 1990, the U.S sent its military troops in support of the smaller nation Kuwait. In 1950s to late 1900, it helped Vietnam to end communism, though it was not successful. Currently, the U.S along with other nations is taking serious actions to bring down the ISIS.

The world is facing many issues together, like the fuel shortage and the increase of terrorism and corruption. At this point of time, many might think that the U.S is taking advantage of its authoritative position by interfering into these issues. Indeed, I believe that the U.S is leading this world to solve the issues. For example, the U.S relaxed its military control over its storage of oil that has helped the oil prices to decrease in the recent times. Referring back to the article, Morozov tells us that the U.S urges internet freedom but exploits it to retrieve data serviced by its companies globally. But Morozov fails to tell us the reason for the Americans to do so. On one hand, internet freedom is slowly turning out to be a basic freedom, as many spend most of their time there. Such freedom, has helped people, in times of domestic problems, to share or report the actual situation and to summon for necessary help. On the other hand, internet freedom can also be used as a powerful tool by terrorists. This then necessitates for the data in the cyber world to be checked. In this point of time, I would like to suggest that several nations could come together and form a committee to handle retrieve and screen data with. And at the same time they should abide by strict rules to ensure the internet freedom.

(619 words)

 Reference:

Morozov, P. (2015, January 4). Who’s the true enemy of the internet freedom – China, Russia, or the U.S? The Guardian Retrieved from

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/04/internet-freedom-china-russia-us-google-microsoft-digital-sovereignty

Reader Response Draft 1

The powerful bandit against internet freedom – should we stop him?

Morozov (2015) tells us “But it’s hardly a global defeat for Google: the company is still expanding elsewhere…” in the article “Who the true enemy of the internet freedom- China, Russia or the U.S?” I read the first few paragraphs of the article. And my desire to work in the Google in America intensified despite the author hinting me, through the title, that the U.S might be doing something unacceptable. It is my goal to contend myself one day, telling that I have also contributed to the “ever-growing” Google. However Morozov has changed my perspective about my career.

Morozov asserts in his article that though Russia and China restrict internet freedom to maintain their technological sovereignty on their land, it is the U.S that exploits internet freedom to assert its digital sovereignty globally. Not just Russia and China, but other countries like Brazil also take actions to reduce their dependence on American-run communication services. And Morozov points out that these actions are condemned by the U.S. It is reported in the article that the U.S have great interest in the information that are serviced by their companies but stored elsewhere. Finally the author concludes that countries are imposing stricter internet censorship and control over their citizens’ data not just in response to domestic tension, but concerning the growing technological supremacy of the U.S. I strongly agree with the author’s assertion. However I would go further by adding that the expansion of U.S technological sovereignty globally, using powerful strategies has to be restricted; before it becomes very hard for other nations to undo it.

As stated in the report “Privacy and Human Rights”, written by Privacy International (n.d), Universal Declaration, 1948, specifically protected territorial and communications privacy. Now the rules should be much stricter. But on the other hand, the retrieval of personal data by the U.S seems to increase and happen globally. This is supported by Morozov, in his article, who briefly narrates the disagreement between the U.S government and Microsoft regarding gaining access to data stored by the Microsoft in Ireland. Infringing anyone’s privacy is wrong. If it is legalised for the governments to do so, it should be only that of their citizens’

I support the fact that it is fine for other nations to react against the U.S’ increasing control in the communication sector, though it is a stab on internet freedom . The U.S has already developed huge companies like the Microsoft and the Google. As what Morosoz has stated in his article, it is also hard to replace such services easily by other countries. Other nations need time to form their own “Google” or “Microsoft”. In the meanwhile, the nations can increase internet censorship and control their citizens’ data inland, as to restrict the expanding technological supremacy of the U.S.

I fear that the U.S will be able to use its rising power in the communication sector to interfere or influence the politics of other countries. We all know that the internet play an important role in politics. It helps politicians to mobilise supports, increase their popularity, convey important messages to the people and etc. Just like how a nation can determine what information its citizen have access to on the internet, the U.S might be able to do it border-less with its growing power. If the U.S easily gains access to the data, serviced by its company elsewhere, today, it might be able to even alter the data without anyone’s acknowledgement in the future.

Returning back to my plans about my career, how was it changed after reading Morozov’s article? I have not changed my decision to go to the U.S to work. I believe that I can learn a lot from such a country which is victorious in establishing its highly futile services everywhere. However I will return back to my homeland to help it uphold its technological supremacy inland.

(659 words)

Reference:

Morozov, P. (2015, January 4). Who’s the true enemy of the internet freedom – China, Russia, or the U.S? The Guardian Retrieved from

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/04/internet-freedom-china-russia-us-google-microsoft-digital-sovereignty

Privacy International. (n.d) Privacy and human rights. Retrieved from http://gilc.org/privacy/survey/intro.html

Graphic Organizer - Reader Response

Main Topic Focus/Thesis Statement: 

(Level I Controlling Ideas)

The expansion of U.S technological sovereignty globally, using powerful strategies has to be restricted; before it becomes very hard for other nations to undo it.

First Supporting Idea -

U.S has breached internet privacy
Supporting Ideas -  
- It has or aims to claim data stored in other nations as long as it is handled by American companies.

- It promotes

- E.g. form the article – disagreement between the Microsoft and the U.S government upon retrieving an email from the server in Ireland
Evaluation/Reaction - 
- Privacy is considered as a basic human right. Protection of one's information is part of the right.  

- U.S has gone beyond the limits.

Second Supporting 

Idea –

More time given, more powerful the U.S technological regime might become.
Supporting Ideas -  
 -Huge tech. Giants like Google and Microsoft were the first few ones. They seem to be more advantageous as they develop themselves exponentially while new ones in other nations slowly come up.
 - They create great services that cannot be easily replaced by another.

     Evaluation/Reaction - 
- As per the law of nature, only the powerful ones survive in the long run. 

- Knowing this fact, other nations should take actions like China and Russia to compete with the U.S 

Third Supporting Idea –

U.s might be able to expand its influence into politics
Supporting Ideas -  
- Just like how a nation control the information their citizens have access to, the U.S might  do it globally.

- I believe, as the U.S becomes powerful it can use the data or alter it accordingly.

- It can deny the access of information to   the country it has retrieved it from, without the country’s acknowledgement.
Evaluation/Reaction - 
- The internet plays a huge role in Politics, like in  mobilizing people or to maintain one's popularity.

- If the U.S has such a powerful tool in its hands, it can control politics across the globe

Summary

The real bandit against internet freedom

Morozov (2015) asserts that though Russia and China restrict internet freedom to maintain their technological sovereignty on their land, it is the U.S that exploits internet freedom to assert its digital sovereignty globally. Not just Russia and China, but other countries like Brazil also take actions to reduce their dependence on American-run communication services. These actions are condemned by the U.S. Crystal reports that the U.S have great interest in information that are serviced by their companies but stored elsewhere. Finally the author concludes that countries are disciplining citizen’s digital properties strictly not just in response to domestic tension, but concerning the growing technological supremacy of the U.S.

Reference
Morozov.E (2015, January 4). Who’s the true enemy of internet freedom - China, Russia, or the US? thegaurdian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/04/internet-freedom-china-russia-us-google-microsoft-digital-sovereignty