I
have regularly argued (or sometimes simply assumed) that it is reasonable to
accept some degree of state intrusion into the private dealings of its
citizens, in the interests of national or individual security (see, for
instance, ‘Spying and the public interest’, November 2011). Of course, I also accept that it is
permissible to spy on individuals who may not be citizens but who may represent
a threat to those who are. Indeed, quite
recently, I have criticised US security authorities for failing to be
sufficiently proactive in the matter of the Boston bombers (‘Loosers’, April,
this year).
