Hindsight · review build · data not yet validated
Privacy has emerged as a primary political issue. The virtually constant use of electronic communication technologies is leaving a highly detailed trail of every person’s every move.
Grader A: partial
Digital trails and privacy were a live issue in 2009 (for example the Facebook Beacon case), but privacy was not a primary political issue; the economy and wars dominated. Privacy became a top-tier political issue only after the Snowden disclosures in June 2013.
Test: Primary-issue test: not a top political issue in 2009; became a major international political issue in 2013 (2012-2014 window).
Grader B: partial
The detailed electronic trail was real by 2009. But privacy was a secondary political issue in 2009. In 2007, 60% of US internet users said they were not worried about how much information about them was online. Privacy became a primary political issue after the Snowden disclosures in 2013. In early 2014, 80% of US adults said Americans should be concerned about government monitoring, and 91% said consumers had lost control of personal information.
Test: Test: privacy ranks as a leading public concern. 2007: 40% of internet users worried about their online information. 2014: 80% said Americans should be concerned about government monitoring (post-Snowden). This meets the 2012-2014 band.