In this exercise, you'll evaluate how two authors approach the theme of government surveillance in their respective writings.
Excerpt 1: In her essay, Author L argues that government surveillance is a necessary measure to ensure national security. She posits that in a highly interconnected world, the ability to monitor communication and potential threats protects citizens from harm. L emphasizes the need for a balance between security and individual privacy, claiming that transparency in surveillance practices can help maintain public trust.
Excerpt 2: Conversely, Author M challenges the justification for government surveillance. She articulates that such measures infringe on personal freedoms and civil liberties. M contends that surveillance breeds a culture of distrust, leading to societal harm that outweighs any claimed security benefits. She advocates for the necessity of privacy rights, arguing that the risks posed by surveillance extend beyond individual privacy, threatening the democracy itself.
Based on the perspectives provided in these excerpts, which of the following statements best summarizes their comparative analysis on government surveillance?