Ep 13. State of Surveillance

In the State of Surveillance episode of Vice season 4, the show dives into the controversial topic of government surveillance post-9/11. With the help of Edward Snowden's leaks, reporter Shane Smith uncovers the extent to which the government is watching its citizens, both domestically and abroad.

The episode begins in Germany, where Shane meets with former hacker turned privacy advocate, Jacob Appelbaum. Appelbaum walks Shane through the capabilities of a device called a Stingray, which law enforcement agencies use to intercept cellphone signals and track the location of their targets. He explains that these devices are often used without a warrant and that their use raises serious privacy concerns.

From Germany, the show jumps to the United States, where Shane meets with two former government employees who have become whistleblowers. Thomas Drake and William Binney worked for the National Security Agency (NSA) and were integral in developing the agency's surveillance programs. However, they left the agency after realizing that the programs were invasive and unconstitutional. In a candid interview, they discuss the challenges of going up against the government and how their lives have been forever altered by their decisions.

In addition to talking to whistleblowers, the show also examines the ways in which private companies are aiding in government surveillance. One such company is Palantir, which creates data-mining software for government agencies. Palantir has been involved in everything from tracking terrorists to predicting insider trading. However, the company's lack of transparency and cooperation with government surveillance efforts has raised concerns about their impact on civil liberties.

The State of Surveillance episode also tackles the global implications of government surveillance. In Rio de Janeiro, Shane meets with Brazilian journalist Glenn Greenwald, who broke the story of Edward Snowden's leaks. Greenwald discusses the ways in which the NSA's activities have compromised national security and strained diplomatic relations between the United States and its allies.

The final portion of the episode focuses on the future of government surveillance and the role of technology in protecting privacy. Shane visits the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) in San Francisco, where he speaks with activists and lawyers who are fighting for privacy rights. The EFF highlights the importance of encryption in safeguarding personal information and the need for greater transparency from both the government and private companies.

Overall, Vice season 4's State of Surveillance episode is a thought-provoking look into the world of government surveillance and its impact on civil liberties. Through interviews with whistleblowers, activists, and journalists, the show sheds light on the ways in which citizens are monitored and the efforts being made to protect privacy rights. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, government, and individual freedoms.