Privacy Czar Follow-up
Earlier Say Uncle posted about a bill to create a “Privacy Czar.” The idea is that in their zeal to implement “homeland security,” government agents might invade our privacy or otherwise violate civil liberties. I’m inclined to side with Say Uncle on the “Czar” issue*. If government agencies are causing a problem, might there not be a simpler solution than creating another government agency?
Anyway, the idea of a “Privacy Czar” reminded me of a proposal by Arnold Kling to solve the problem by creating two agencies:
What I propose is to use a Constitutional amendment to create two agencies with authority to use surveillance technology. The Security Agency would have the sole purpose of preventing acts of terrorism. The Audit Agency would have the sole purpose of ensuring that the Security Agency stays within its boundaries.
It is important to keep the two agencies separate. They must not report to the same boss. I would propose that the head of the Security Agency be appointed by the President, and that the head of the audit agency be appointed by the most senior Supreme Court justice who has not been appointed by the current President, with the Chief Justice treated as the most senior justice. Senate confirmation would be required for the head of each agency.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? It’s a problem that’s been with us for a while.
*I also agree that we need to dump the use of “Czar” in general (yes I know it’s not an official title) for any government agent. While we’re at it, can we also stop adding “-gate” on the end of scandals?
