“You don’t need a colorectal exam every time you go to the airport,” quipped Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) during a Friday morning CPAC address on privacy and technology.
The Utah representative was elected in 2008, but has steadily risen the ranks as a young gun with a clear sense of humor and very sharp political acumen. Colorectal issues aside, Congressman Chaffetz discussed his support for legislation to create clear guidelines ensuring privacy in an overexposed world.
Before heading up a discussion on the Fourth Amendment, Rep. Chaffetz, who serves as the Chairman for the House Subcommittee on National Security, reminded the crowd that the crux of all issues is a commitment to principled freedom. “New things come along, but our principles stay the same,” said Chaffetz.
With his heavy involvement in national security matters, the congressman prioritizes understanding the implications of new technology and simultaneously protecting the right to privacy.
“The internet should be a bastion of freedom,” he said. However, he conceded that technological developments such as geolocation pose a very real threat to individual liberty and right to privacy.
The privacy debate has its positive side, though. The Congressman sees the privacy debate as a great opportunity for conservatives to engage younger voters on a new level.
“As conservatives this is a place where we can lead out,” said Chaffetz in referencing technology-related issues. Chaffetz plans to use this platform to change the perception that Democrats are the only tech-savvy players.
