Purple+1

=Group 1= Kamran G., Kyle D., John A. toc

Our PSA
media type="custom" key="76334"

Thesis Statement
Though with the growth of technology there is increased opportunity to limit personal freedom, oppression through technology does not necessarily occur because this opportunity exists. This form of oppression usually occurs in authoritarian states, but this will not happen in our society because the American people believe so strongly in democracy and freedom.



Producers' Note
In 1984, the government of Oceania uses a variety of technologies to limit the freedoms of individuals. The most obvious technology is the telescreen, a device that both allows government agents to monitor individuals, and broadcast propaganda to them. This abuse of technology raises the question of whether or not technology itself leads to limitation of freedom. The main goal of the PSA was to let people understand that with the growing rate of technology comes a growing chance that people will not have as much privacy. Although these two things are not directly correlated they can still affect each other. Americans have to understand that in today’s society with the resources available everyone is at risk of having their personal information stolen. The chances that this happens may not be that great but everyone should be informed that it could happen. If people know that using technology puts them at risk than they should use it with caution and an understanding that their freedoms could be infringed. The choices made in the PSA were to prove that society and new technologies are not necessarily good or bad for people’s individual freedoms. On one hand they give people a quicker, easier way to communicate. But on the other hand they allow others to potentially see things about them they should not be able to see. Therefore people need to understand that if they are going to use newer technologies they must do so with caution because it is impossible to keep information about oneself from being viewed by everyone. Also, at the rate that technology is growing it is nearly impossible to avoid it completely. People should understand that anything they do while using technology should be done securely because they never know who is seeing their personal information. The images that were used for the PSA were all used for different reasons. The images of the [|library card] and the [|satellite] were used to be symbols for personal information and whom it can be viewed by. A library card is a form of ID, and the satellite represents how information can be both viewed and relayed by a superior thing or power. The [|cell phones], [|credit cards] and the [|computer] were chosen to show that through these devices the government can see many things. They can see who is called on the phone, what is bought on a credit card, and what is viewed and searched on the computer. As these technologies continue to grow so will the easy accessibility that the government has of viewing personal information. The image of the [|websites] leaders taking away all of the personal freedoms of its customers shows that the websites have enough power to do this if they want to. They do not necessarily do it but they could if they wanted to. It also shows that there could be some benefits for the websites if they do this. They could use personal information to further their companies which should make people more aware of what they do and how they use their computers. The image of [|Agent Smith] and the [|FBI arresting someone] were used to show that when someone’s freedoms are taken away their rights are being taken away as well. People have a right to privacy but they do not always have it because there are many things that the government can do without the consent of the individual. The image of the [|computer] that says there is a first amendment error was used to portray the idea that technology can take away peoples freedoms and rights at the push of a button. No one is completely safe from technology because there is always a chance that it could happen to them. The next image that was used was the image of the man getting his [|wallet stolen] by his own computer. This image portrays the message that peoples identity and personal freedoms could be stolen. Therefore people should be careful even when using their own computers. It also shows that when it does happen to someone it can happen right under their nose. With today’s technology any kind of fraud is possible. The final image of the man [|fighting against the computer] shows that people will fight back against this fraud. It is there personal information and therefore they have a right to go after the people behind the technology that are doing this unjust deed to them.

[|Freedom Info]

(Fade in image of a library card and the later a satellite) Narrator: The opportunity exists for powerful people to see some, or all, of your personal information. (Change to images of cell phones, then credit cards, then a computer) Narrator: The government has the ability to track what we buy, who we talk to, and what we see. (Fade to image of Microsoft, Yahoo, Google leaders ending various freedoms) Narrator: Powerful people can inhibit freedoms by abusing this advanced technology. (Fade to images of Agent Smith and then FBI agents arresting someone) Narrator: The agencies of our government can arrest citizens for crimes when they thought they were protected by the constitution) (Fade to black screen) Narrator: But our founding fathers helped to ensure this would not get out of hand. (Fade to image of computer screen with internet censorship in the background, with text saying "sorry, a first amendment error has occurred) Narrator: As technology gets more advanced, the possibility of infringement on our freedoms will get more and more likely. (Fade to image of a computer stealing a man's wallet) Narrator: But the strength of the American people can triumph over technology to ensure that personal freedoms are maintained. (Image of man fighting a computer)