Ep 12. United States of Secrets (Part Two)

In "United States of Secrets (Part Two)," the second half of Frontline's investigative series, the program explores the continuation of the U.S. government's domestic surveillance program in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Through interviews with key figures within the National Security Agency (NSA), Department of Justice, and other government agencies, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which the government utilized data collection and surveillance programs to combat terrorism.

The episode delves into the controversial Section 215 of the Patriot Act, which allowed the NSA to collect phone records and metadata on American citizens. It also explores the Prism program, which enabled the NSA to access the servers of major tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple to gather user data. Viewers hear from former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, who famously leaked classified documents about the U.S. government's surveillance programs in 2013.

In addition to analyzing the legal and ethical implications of these surveillance initiatives, "United States of Secrets (Part Two)" also considers the effectiveness of such programs in preventing terrorist attacks. The episode features interviews with a number of intelligence experts who offer varying perspectives on the value of mass data collection in counterterrorism efforts.

Ultimately, "United States of Secrets (Part Two)" serves as a sobering reminder of the ways in which the U.S. government responded to the 9/11 attacks and the lasting impact of those decisions on individual privacy and government transparency. Through compelling first-hand accounts and detailed analysis, Frontline invites viewers to consider the complex and often conflicting priorities at play in the ongoing struggle between national security and civil liberties.