United States of Secrets

In 2013 when government contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified information to the media, the public first learned the disturbing news that the National Security Agency had been secretly collecting the phone and internet communications of millions of Americans.  This two part Frontline documentary provides viewers with an in-depth look at the NSA’s domestic mass surveillance program.

Part one chronicles the history of the NSA program from its creation by the Bush Administration just after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks through the Obama Presidency.  Part two discusses how private phone, internet and social media companies were coerced by the government to be complicit in the NSA’s information gathering program.

This film forces viewers to ponder our new dilemma as a democracy.  How will our nation be able to continue to preserve the individual rights of our citizens and simultaneously protect our country from the threat of terrorism in an increasingly digitally connected world?  This is a must-see documentary for anyone who cares about the sanctity of our privacy.