Partner Briefing 

# Big Brother Is Watching You: NSA Surveillance and the Erosion of Civil Liberties 

Date and Time 

September 10, 2013 12 - 1 PM EDT 

Location 

Live Online 

##### Featuring 

[![Media Name: harper.jpg](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/authors/crops/harper.jpg?itok=I_0322Oq)](/people/jim-harper) 

[Jim Harper](/people/jim-harper)

Former Senior Fellow 

[ 

](https://twitter.com/Jim_Harper) [ 

](mailto:jharper@cato.org) 

[![Julian Sanchez](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/Julian%20Sanchez.jpg?itok=TOVwbG_X)](/people/julian-sanchez) 

[Julian Sanchez](/people/julian-sanchez)

Former Senior Fellow

[ 

](https://twitter.com/normative) 

[![Square face shot of Caleb O. Brown.](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/cbrown_sq.jpg?itok=zSWLm8kR)](/people/caleb-o-brown) 

[Caleb O. Brown](/people/caleb-o-brown)

Former Director of Multimedia, Host and Executive Producer, *Cato Daily Podcast*, Cato Institute

The revelation of controversial NSA surveillance programs confirmed what many long suspected: the federal government is spying on U.S. citizens. Sales of George Orwell’s *1984* skyrocketed and public opinion polls now show skepticism. In leaking highly classified documents, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden revealed mass surveillance of U.S. citizens’ phone calls and emails, and cooperation from private telecom companies. Yet supporters claim the programs are legal and it has prevented terrorist attacks. But even if this is true, what did this “security” cost? Is acceptance just a result of a slow erosion of our civil liberties? Do these programs violate the Fourth Amendment? Cato scholars Jim Harper and Julian Sanchez will discuss the intersection of privacy and security, outline how the NSA programs work, and take your questions.

This special online-only series is an opportunity to hear from Cato’s policy staff. Please note that it is not necessary to download any software to watch the briefing online; no reservation is necessary.

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