March 2003

In March 2003, we explored the social and ethical dimensions of Big Brother Technologies. Explore this section of our website for more information:

As citizens of the United States, and as international visitors to this country, we value our privacy and cherish the freedom to live our lives without intrusion or interference from others. Yet technology is providing a variety of new tools that can alter our sense of privacy. Surveillance devices can follow our movements and eavesdrop on our conversations. DNA tests can identify people through their genetic makeup. Computer-based data sharing can provide information to doctors about our medical conditions — and to telemarketers about our likes and dislikes.

How much privacy are we willing to give up? When is this invasion of our privacy acceptable — and when does it pose a threat? How can we resolve the tension between personal privacy and public security in the post-911 world? These are some of the questions this Choices and Challenges forum aimed to address.

This Choices and Challenges forum is a production of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at Virginia Tech, with support from the Graduate School and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy.