David Gelernter

David Gelernter, a computer science professor at Yale University, is a two-time victim of letter bombs sent by the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski. He is also the author of The Muse in the Machine and Drawing Life. In the following viewpoint, Gelernter argues that individual privacy must be compromised in the name of safety and security for society. For this reason, he insists, the federal government must be allowed to tap phones when necessary to investigate suspected criminals. However, he adds, improving technology may soon render traditional methods of surveillance obsolete. Therefore, Gelernter contends, it is reasonable to require communications companies to modify their equipment so that the FBI can continue the surveillance that is necessary for the country’s safety and protection.

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