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Should intelligence agencies be permitted to breach encrypted private communications when they have credible evidence of an imminent mass casualty attack, even if it undermines digital privacy for all citizens?
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Why this dilemma matters
Technology rarely asks for permission once it works, so the ethics has to land before deployment. Choosing “Yes, to save innocent lives and protect national security by preventing the attack” prioritises the capability it unlocks; choosing “No, because it erodes civil liberties and sets a dangerous precedent for unchecked government surveillance” gives more weight to the agency it costs.
Worth asking yourself
- Does ease here come at someone else’s expense?
- What would you give up to keep this capability?
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