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Overview
"If you've got nothing to hide," many people say, "you shouldn't worry about government surveillance." Others argue that we must sacrifice privacy for security. But as Daniel J. Solove argues in this important book, these arguments and many others are flawed. They are based on mistaken views about what it means to protect privacy and the costs and benefits of doing so. The debate between privacy and security has been framed incorrectly as a zero-sum game in which we are forced to choose between one value and the other. Why can't we have both?
In this concise and accessible book, Solove exposes the fallacies of many pro-security arguments that have skewed law and policy to favor security at the expense of privacy. Protecting privacy isn't fatal to security measures; it merely involves adequate oversight and regulation. Solove traces the history of the privacy-security debate from the Revolution to the present day. He explains how the law protects privacy and examines concerns with new technologies. He then points out the failings of our current system and offers specific remedies. Nothing to Hide makes a powerful and compelling case for reaching a better balance between privacy and security and reveals why doing so is essential to protect our freedom and democracy.
Editorials
New York Review of Books
"Succinctly and persuasively debunks the arguments that have contributed to privacy's demise, including the canard that if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear from surveillance."—David Cole, New York Review of Books
— David Cole
Choice
"[A] thought-provoking, accessible introduction to privacy and security law."—J.M. Keller, Choice
— J.M. Keller
The Law and Politics Book Review
"A very timely and thought provoking book."—Raymond G. Kessler, The Law and Politics Book Review
— Raymond G. Kessler
Security Management
"Incidents that raise questions about online security and privacy rights are a common occurrence. Books about these issues are equally plentiful, but none that I have seen addresses the issue in more detail or with greater insight than this work by Daniel Solove."—Mayer Nudell, Security Management— Mayer Nudell