Upon the orders of the United States secret agency, Yahoo Incorporation launched its secret scanning of emails lately. This move was found to be in conflict with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Fourth Amendment protected the rights of people against such secretive surveillance.
In defense of the practice as the Business Times explained, it is believed that as people make more and more information available online, it is easy to detect conspiracies and plans against the United States and its prosperity through the emails.
Critics included the argument that many harmless information and emails were also included in this sweep, which strongly goes against the Fourth Amendment. To this, it was debated that just like scans detect viruses and bugs in the emails, this probing would identify potential threats to the state and its well-being.
National Intelligence informed that reports would be soon disclosed about the exact figures regarding the surveillance of electronic information. As the matter was discussed in the court, differing opinions arose. Some believed that it was reasonable to carry out these checks for national security purposes, but there should be limits on the extent to which this information was being utilized and applied.
Others argued that using the data collected for reasons other than state affairs could lead to a decline in crime rate by sensing robberies and drug deals. This activity was also compared to that which surfaced about two years ago, as The Guardian also explained when the rationality and fairness of searching cell phones without official warrants were questioned.
In spite of the contrasting perspectives, all unanimously agreed on the need for a transparency check in this matter and to closely inspect the way the government was using this information. Yet, due to no confirmation as to whether the Supreme Court concurs with the Surveillance Court, there lies a probability that this practice would be stopped.
