Surveillance systems need reform — few would argue otherwise. Even companies that profit from tracking users, including major tech firms, are urging new safeguards to protect citizens from mass surveillance programs such as those revealed by Edward Snowden.
Google has been among the most prominent advocates for government surveillance reform. The company updated its “Take Action” hub to feature a petition that individuals can sign to “help make the internet more secure for everyone.”
The USA Freedom Act failed to advance to a vote in the Senate after losing a procedural vote
In 2015 a key provision of the USA PATRIOT Act was scheduled to expire. That provision has been used to authorize broad surveillance activities by the U.S. government. The impending expiration gave advocates and lawmakers an opportunity to change how surveillance is conducted and to strengthen protections for internet users before any renewal or replacement legislation took effect.
Google emphasized the importance of that moment: “In June of 2015, we have a huge chance to protect Americans from mass surveillance when a key part of the USA PATRIOT Act is set to expire.” The company urged supporters to be prepared to take action during that period.
Throughout 2014, debates over surveillance dominated public conversation, but concrete reform stalled. The USA Freedom Act, proposed as a response to mass surveillance concerns, failed to advance to a full Senate vote after losing a procedural motion. That setback delayed efforts to curb the National Security Agency’s surveillance practices and frustrated reform advocates.
Google’s growing influence in Washington is well documented. The company has significantly expanded its federal lobbying activity over recent years, rising in expenditure rankings and becoming one of the top corporate lobbyists in the United States. That political weight gives Google the capacity to shape policy conversations and amplify campaigns backed by large numbers of users.
Support from a major company, combined with public signatures on petitions and grassroots pressure, can increase the likelihood of meaningful reform. Google reports that its “Take Action” campaign has attracted millions of members, underscoring public interest in stronger online privacy protections.
Do you support surveillance reform in 2015? Share your thoughts in the comments.