2013-07-25-皮尤-Few_See_Adequate_Limits_on_NSA_Surveillance_Program_19页_384kb

Summary of the 2013 Pew Research Center Survey on NSA Surveillance

Core Content

The 2013 Pew Research Center survey conducted from July 17-21, 2013, among 1,480 adults, examined public perceptions of the National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance program as part of the government's anti-terrorism efforts. The findings reveal a complex and divided public opinion on the program, with significant concerns over civil liberties and the extent of government data collection.

Main Findings

• Majority of Americans believe the government collects more than just metadata:

  • 63% think the government is also gathering the content of communications.
  • 27% believe the government has listened to or read their phone calls and emails.

• Public opinion on the program:

  • 50% approve of the government's data collection program.
  • 44% disapprove.
  • These views are relatively stable compared to a month earlier.

• Partisan Differences:

  • Democrats (57% approve) are more supportive of the program than Republicans (44% approve).
  • Both parties show internal divisions:
    • 36% of Democrats disapprove.
    • 50% of Republicans disapprove.
  • Independents are split, with 47% approving and 48% disapproving.

• Concerns over Civil Liberties:

  • 47% of Americans express greater concern that anti-terrorism policies have gone too far in restricting civil liberties.
  • This is the first time since 2004 that a plurality has expressed concern over civil liberties rather than security.
  • Concerns have increased across all partisan and demographic groups, with a notable shift among Tea Party Republicans.

• Tea Party Republicans:

  • 62% disapprove of the NSA program, while only 34% approve.
  • 87% believe the government uses the data for purposes other than terrorism investigations.
  • Among them, 32% believe the data is used to target political opponents or for political ends.

• Media Reporting on Secret Methods:

  • 47% of the public believes the media should report on secret government methods used to fight terrorism.
  • 47% believe the media should not report on these methods.
  • There has been a shift in opinion since 2006, with Republicans becoming more supportive of media reporting.

• Public Perception of Government Secrecy:

  • 56% believe the government keeps too much information about its anti-terrorism programs secret.
  • 53% think the media reports too much information that could harm the government's anti-terrorism efforts.

• Age Differences:

  • Young people (18-29) are more concerned about civil liberties than older groups.
  • 60% of young people believe the policies have gone too far in restricting civil liberties, compared to 33% of those 65 and older.
  • Despite this concern, approval of the program is roughly split among young people (46% approve, 49% disapprove).

• Survey Methodology:

  • The survey used a combination of landline and cell phone random digit dial samples.
  • The sample was weighted to match demographic and geographic parameters from the 2011 Census Bureau and 2012 National Health Interview Survey.
  • Sampling errors are noted, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points for the total sample.

Key Information

• The program's approval is narrowly positive, with a 50% approval rate and 44% disapproval.
• Concerns over civil liberties have grown significantly, especially among young people and Tea Party Republicans.
• The government's data collection is perceived as being used for purposes beyond terrorism, with 70% believing it is used for other reasons.
• There is a notable shift in views on media reporting, with both parties now being split on the issue.
• The survey highlights the importance of question wording in shaping public perception of surveillance programs.