As the Prism scandal in the United States continues, it is natural that US exceptionalism is increasingly criticized by the international community, said an article in People's Daily (excerpts below).

US security authorities said they are maintaining a difficult balance between freedom and security.

But the international community believes that the catch-all phrase anti-terrorism is a convenient cover for the US to monitor the world, including international organizations.

The US always proclaims itself as a defender for press freedom and individual privacy.

This is exceptionalism. One rule for us, another for the rest, especially in cyber space. The US regularly points its fingers at others but in reality is guilty of abusing the Internet.

It says one thing and does another. There are legitimate concerns over what the US is trying to do in cyber space.