After September 11, 2001, the United States dramatically expanded its surveillance powers in an effort to prevent another terrorist attack. The Patriot Act widened federal authority, but the system that followed would eventually extend far beyond the emergency that created it.
Over the next two decades, NSA programs, cell-site simulators, fusion centers, data brokers, license plate readers, facial recognition, and privately owned cameras created an unprecedented ability to collect and connect information. Edward Snowden's 2013 disclosures gave Americans their clearest look yet at how far some of these programs had expanded.
In this episode of Forgotten History, we trace the rise of the modern American surveillance state, from the aftermath of 9/11 and the Patriot Act to PRISM, corporate data collection, Ring cameras, Flock license plate readers, and AI. How did a system built to find terrorists become part of everyday American life?
Written and hosted by Mike Droberg. Forgotten History is a 10th Legion Pictures Production.
This video is for educational and commentary purposes. All information is presented based on publicly available sources. Allegations, claims, and historical accounts are included for informational context, and viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research.
