Since Edward Snowden’s ‘revelations’ that government-backed spy agencies watch everything we do, the computer analyst turned whistle-blower has become the world’s most wanted man.
Snowden alleges that government-backed agencies are able to witness everything you do online from emails to banking, browsing history to what you buy.
The US-based National Security Agency (NSA) naturally denies that Snowden, or anyone else, has the power to do what he claims. But if his allegations are true, it is widely believed similar powers could be held by UK spy agency GCHQ.
Since making the shocking revelation, Snowden has been holed up in Russia evading US extradition – and is making front pages the world over.
Public outcry over the privacy implications abound, while others sit back and claim that we must make sacrifices in the interest of national security.
But how do Mancunians feel about the issue?
MM took to the streets of Piccadilly to ask Manchester:
If what Edward Snowden says is true, do you feel your privacy has been violated or does such spying make you feel safer?
| Opinion | Results |
| Feel safer | 23% |
| Don’t care | 53% |
| Feel privacy is violated | 34% |
John Jacques 24, student from Wilmslow, said: “I think it’s ridiculous they are allowed to do it.
“I don’t like to think about it too much or it freaks me out.”
James Collins, 31, a teacher from Chorlton, said: “Snowden has done us a great service and should be praised for having the courage to do what he’s done.
“I have never trusted government agencies and this proves exactly why.”
Tom Smith 19, unemployed from Sale, said: “I am not too bothered, I am not a terrorist so I have nothing to hide. It won’t affect me. If you have nothing to hide, why would it bother you?”
Tom Harbour, 28, a shop assistant from Chorlton, said: “It’s completely breaking privacy laws, and it should be stopped. We shouldn’t ignore what Snowden is saying.”
Graham Heald, 54, systems analyst from Peterborough visiting Manchester for the day, said: “Surely the UK government knew about this, and have allowed the US to spy on all of us.
“But if it helps catch terrorists you can’t really complain.”
Do you think it is necessary in the interests of national security? Or is spying on what we do online a breach of privacy that is a step too far?
Have your say below.
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