The globalization of information and communications technologies, falling cost of storage, and explosion of big data analytics capabilities have made it easier for governments to collect information about their own citizens and people around the world. At the same time, growing fears of terrorism empower national security agencies to expand their surveillance portfolios. In order to maintain balance, government surveillance programs and policies must be targeted, proportionate, and respectful of human rights worldwide. The European Commission and European Parliament have taken increasingly proactive roles in the review of American and European government surveillance programs.