Author(s): Bob DE GRAAFF
Publication name: Romanian Intelligence Studies Review
Publisher name: Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: December 31, 2016
Pagination:
Issue/ Volume: 16/2016
DOI:
Abstract
Today the realm of intelligence gathering is perceived as involved in bulk or
mass surveillance, threatening both privacy and democracy. As political regimes in the
West are changing towards more authoritarian or totalitarian control of the acts and
thoughts of their citizens this raises the question whether intelligence organizations
should serve democracy or the political system. The author traces some of the
technological, political and societal developments that have caused this altered state, in
which there seems to be little room left for resistance. In spite of this there is some
counterveiling power in the form of sousveillance. However, just like other other possible
constraints, such as oversight committees and to a lesser degree the judiciary,
sousveillants do not seem the safaguarding of the rights of citizens. The author concludes
that in this respect a big role is to be played by independent academics.
Keywords: intelligence, security state, surveillance, sousveillance, technology,
democracy.
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