Digital Surveillance System

Digital Surveillance System The benefits of digital surveillance outweigh problems it posses Mass surveillance was intensified after the 2001 terrorist attack. Therefore, the main aim of this program is to contain or avert terrorism in the United States. Based on this, I believe the benefits of mass surveillance outweigh problems it posses. This paper will discuss the benefits in terms of whether or not terrorism has happened again since it was started. The paper will also consider other aspects such as right to privacy and the ease of establishment.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Digital Surveillance System specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Surveillance systems are an option that is effective option. That is, today it is not easy for anyone to get into airports, concerts, as well as public gatherings without being subjected to a number of checks (Gellman 5). Surveillance cameras when combined with other law enforcement measures are more effici ent, less intrusive, causes less and psychological disturbance. The other thing is that mass surveillance can make the lives of people more convenient, by eradicating the necessity for passwords. The mass surveillance program or system itself could be employed for identification as it uses algorithms that are adequately effective (Gellman 2). It could as well do away with long lines of travelers at airports. Mass surveillance expedites searches and it can be employed to detect items that have been outlawed than physical searches. With reduced crime as a result of mass surveillance, a significant decrease in police work would be observed. It would also reduce the number of security personnel. In fact, the only security people that will be needed are those who do rapid response in the case of a security issue. It is easier to do business in a mass surveillance society. Furthermore, enhanced security patrols would not be needed at events that take place outside. What would be done is s imply replacing them with clear signs that would easily identify people directly. One other sure thing is that, since the twin tower incident in 2001, there has not been any significant attack attributed to terrorism in the United States (Risen and Poitras 1). This success is attributed to the effectiveness of surveillance to prevent terrorism activities. The surveillance system is frequently reviewed and also subject to many safeguards. Although Snowden indicates that NSA authorizes general warrants for the whole country’s metadata, it must be understood that even though the United States can collect the metadata, the government or agencies responsible cannot sieve through it arbitrarily (Gellman 3). The government can only sift through having received an approval from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Risen and Poitras 2). The only major demerits of this system are that of infringement of privacy rights (Gellman 4). However, it must be emphasized that constitutio nal rights are not absolute and can be limited anytime if there is a public interest that is compelling government to do so. Some of these public interests may include the deterrence of acts of terrorism.Advertising Looking for essay on homeland security? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In general, it must be acknowledged that the surveillance systems can make mistakes, although the computers or cameras are not installed to replace people but to help investigators by getting rid of information that is useless. Again, it is not about how many cases of terrorism it has prevented, but how it has helped investigators to access important information that helps them to enhance security. Whether Edward Snowden was justified or not to leak intelligent information Snowden an employee of NSA managed to access intelligence information and revealed to the general public. Since the time of release, this issue has been a subject o f heated debate in the United States (Risen and Poitras 1). This paper discusses reasons why Snowden was not justified to reveal the information. Some factors to be considered are his intentions, risks involved, and his place of work. To begin with, being a former employee of NSA he was bound to adhere and respect the oath of secrecy which he willing took (Gellman 1-2). This action represented a serious violation of the core values and code of conduct of NSA. Security matters are always sensitive and as such those who access them have a duty to the citizens and the government. The leaked information relates to operations of NSA such as the aspect of collecting data from United States phone call records in order to search for any possible connections to terrorists overseas. Also, it involved surveillance of online communications in order to detect suspicious behaviors from foreigners. Revealing these surveillance programs can easily damage to national security. Revealed information g ives terrorists who are actually trying by all means to avoid detection. Now more than ever, Americans are at risk, as the revelations shows their adversaries, what kind of capabilities they have. Even though most Americans do like their personal information taken by thirty parties, when it comes to security matters, a majority of them support the surveillance system (Risen and Poitras 2). As thing are, mass surveillance is one of the best security measures that can easily keep a trace on not only potential, but also existing threats. Other measures are highly limited in scope. The major concern by Americans was that their right to privacy as enshrined in the constitution was being violated. However, the government had already assured them that strict protocols were being followed regarding protection of their data.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Digital Surveillance System specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It was u njustified as it had the potential to strain the relationship between the United States and the rest of the world. For instance, after the revelation, some foreign governments as well as groups both in Europe and Asia are not very happy with the US. That is, the European Union has laws for data protection and as such does not support mass surveillance. As a consequence, they may easily re-examine and restrict the data they have been sharing with the United States (Risen and Poitras 4). Asian partners, on the other hand, registered their displeasure with the United States and that they were concerned the data and information collected in the surveillance systems could at one point be employed against them. Most Asia countries share a lot of sensitive data particularly on election using online programs with the US. In conclusion, surveillance program has a lot of benefits than disadvantages. As it has been seen in the discussion, they help investors and security officers to keep an ey e on people who can easily harm the United States. It is not meant to replace the existing security measures but support them. In terms of disclosing intelligence information, Snowden was not justified to do so. The information released was sensitive and could be used by terrorists to escape or advance their cause against Americans. Gellman, Barton. Edward Snowden, after months of NSA revelations,says he accomplished his mission. The Washington Post (2013): pp. 1-5. Print. Risen, James and Laura Poitras. N.S.A. Gathers Data on Social Connections of U.S. Citizens. The New York Times (2013): pp. 1-6. Print.

German Battleship Tirpitz - World War II

German Battleship Tirpitz - World War II The Tirpitz was a German battleship used during World War II.  The British made several efforts to sink Tirpitz and finally succeeded in late 1944. Shipyard: Kriegsmarinewerft, WilhelmshavenLaid Down: November 2, 1936Launched: April 1, 1939Commissioned: February 25, 1941Fate: Sunk on November 12, 1944 Specifications Displacement: 42,900 tonsLength: 823 ft., 6 in.Beam: 118 ft. 1 in.Draft: 30 ft. 6 in.Speed: 29 knotsComplement: 2,065 men Guns 8 Ãâ€" 15 in. SK C/34 (4 Ãâ€" 2)12 Ãâ€" 5.9 in. (6 Ãâ€" 2)16 Ãâ€" 4.1 in. SK C/33 (8 Ãâ€" 2)16 Ãâ€" 1.5 in. SK C/30 (8 Ãâ€" 2)12 Ãâ€" 0.79 in. FlaK 30 (12 Ãâ€" 1) Construction Laid down at Kriegsmarinewerft, Wilhelmshaven on November 2, 1936, Tirpitz was the second and final ship of the Bismarck-class of battleship. Initially given the contract name G, the ship was later named for famed German naval leader Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz. Christened by the late admirals daughter, Tirpitz was launched April 1, 1939. Work continued on the battleship through 1940. As World War II had begun, the ships completion was delayed by British air strikes on the Wilhelmshaven shipyards. Commissioned on February 25, 1941, Tirpitz departed for its sea trials in the Baltic. Capable of 29 knots, Tirpitzs primary armament consisted of eight 15 guns mounted in four dual turrets. These were supplemented by a secondary battery of twelve 5.9 guns. In addition, it mounted a variety of light anti-aircraft guns, which were increased throughout the war. Protected by a main belt of armor that was 13 thick, Tirpitzs power was provided by three Brown, Boveri Cie geared steam turbines capable of producing over 163,000 horsepower. Entering active service with the Kriegsmarine, Tirpitz conducted extensive training exercises in the Baltic. In the Baltic Assigned to Kiel, Tirpitz was in port when Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941. Putting to sea, it became the flagship of Admiral Otto Ciliaxs Baltic Fleet. Cruising off the Aland Islands with the heavy cruiser, four light cruisers, and several destroyers, Ciliax endeavored to prevent a breakout of the Soviet fleet from Leningrad. When the fleet disbanded in late September, Tirpitz resumed training activities. In November, Admiral Erich Raeder, commander of the Kriegsmarine, ordered the battleship to Norway so that it could strike at Allied convoys. Arriving in Norway After a brief overhaul, Tirpitz sailed north on January 14, 1942, under the command of Captain Karl Topp. Arriving at Trondheim, the battleship soon moved to a safe anchorage at nearby Fà ¦ttenfjord. Here Tirpitz was anchored next to a cliff to aid in protecting it from air strikes. In addition, extensive anti-aircraft defenses were constructed, as well as torpedo nets and protective booms. Though efforts were made to camouflage the ship, the British were aware of its presence through decrypted Enigma radio intercepts. Having established a base in Norway, Tirpitzs operations were limited due to fuel shortages. Though Bismarck had some success in the Atlantic against HMS Hood prior to its loss in 1941, Adolf Hitler refused to allow Tirpitz to conduct a similar sortie as he did not wish to lose the battleship. By remaining operational, it served as a fleet in being and tied down British naval resources. As a result, ​Tirpitzs missions were largely limited to the North Sea and Norwegian waters. Initial operations against Allied convoys were canceled when Tirpitzs supporting destroyers were withdrawn. Putting to sea on March 5, Tirpitz sought to attack Convoys QP-8 and PQ-12. Convoy Actions Missing the former, Tirpitzs spotter aircraft located the latter. Moving to intercept, Ciliax was initially unaware that the convoy was supported by elements of Admiral John Toveys Home Fleet. Turning for home, Tirpitz was unsuccessfully attacked by British carrier planes on March 9. In late June, Tirpitz and several German warships sortied as part of Operation Rà ¶sselsprung. Intended as an attack on Convoy PQ-17, the fleet turned back after receiving reports that they had been spotted. Returning to Norway, Tirpitz anchored in Altafjord. After being shifted to Bogenfjord near Narvik, the battleship sailed for Fà ¦ttenfjord where it began an extensive overhaul in October. Concerned over the threat posed by Tirpitz, the Royal Navy attempted to attack the ship with two Chariot human torpedoes in October 1942. This effort was disrupted by heavy seas. Completing its post-overhaul trials, Tirpitz returned to active duty with Captain Hans Meyer taking command on February 21, 1943. That September, Admiral Karl Doenitz, now leading the Kriegsmarine, ordered Tirpitz and other German ships to attack the small Allied base at Spitsbergen. Relentless British Attacks Attacking on September 8, Tirpitz, in its only offensive action, provided naval gunfire support to German forces going ashore. Destroying the base, the Germans withdrew and returned to Norway. Eager to eliminate Tirpitz, the Royal Navy initiated Operation Source later that month. This involved sending ten X-Craft midget submarines to Norway. The plan called for the X-Craft to penetrate the fjord and attach mines to the battleships hull. Moving forward on September 22, two X-Craft successfully completed their mission. The mines detonated and caused extensive damage to the ship and its machinery. Though badly wounded, Tirpitz remained afloat and repairs commenced. These were completed on April 2, 1944, and sea trials were planned for the following day in Altafjord. Learning that Tirpitz was nearly operational, the Royal Navy launched Operation Tungsten on April 3. This saw eighty British carrier planes attack the battleship in two waves. Scoring fifteen bomb hits, the aircraft inflicted serious damage and widespread fires but failed to sink Tirpitz. Assessing the damage, Doenitz ordered the ship repaired though understood that, due to a lack of air cover, its usefulness would be limited. In an effort to finish the job, the Royal Navy planned several additional strikes through April and May but were prevented from flying due to poor weather. Final Demise By June 2, German repair parties had restored engine power and gunnery trials were possible at the end of the month. Returning on August 22, aircraft from British carriers launched two raids against Tirpitz but failed to score any hits. Two days later, a third strike managed two hits but inflicted little damage. As the Fleet Air Arm had been unsuccessful in eliminating Tirpitz, the mission was given to the Royal Air Force. Using Avro Lancaster heavy bombers carrying massive Tallboy bombs, No. 5 Group conducted Operation Paravane on September 15. Flying from forward bases in Russia, they succeeded in getting one hit on the battleship which severely damaged its bow as well as injured other equipment on board. British bombers returned on October 29 but managed only near misses which damaged the ships port rudder. To protect Tirpitz, a sandbank was built around the ship to prevent capsizing and torpedo nets were put in place. On November 12, Lancasters dropped 29 Tallboys on the anchorage, scoring two hits and several near misses. Those that missed destroyed the sandbank. While one Tallboy penetrated forward, it failed to explode. The other struck amidships and blew out part of the ships bottom and side. Listing severely, Tirpitz was soon rocked by a massive explosion as one of its magazines detonated. Rolling, the stricken ship capsized. In the attack, the crew suffered around 1,000 casualties. The wreck of Tirpitz remained in place for the remainder of the war and was later salvaged between 1948 and 1957. Selected Sources Tirpitz HistoryBBC: Tirpitz