Technological Surveillance

Technological Surveillance

In an age where instant communication and technology provide easy and

ready access to information, the society and the individual is caught

between two very controversial principles- open information and

privacy. The perceptions and expectations of privacy are rapidly

changing as a result of current developments in surveillance

technologies. The question is are these new surveillance technologies

endangering the values and morals of our democratic society, the

society we have worked for many centuries to achieve?

According to Webster's dictionary, surveillance is defined as a "close

kept watch over someone or something." Surveillance is not a new

concept, and has been used every since the beginning of civilization.

However, with the influence of technology, it has evolved. Policing

agents no longer need to use methods of surveillance such as listening

through walls, looking through windows and over fences, and even

sitting in a suspect's garbage. Because of the ongoing development of

new technology, policing agencies can hear, see and track almost

everyone and everything at any given time. However, are the citizens

of the Canadian society sacrificing their freedom and privacy for the

purpose of security? And if so, do surveillance technologies really

help?

There are five types of surveillance: 1. government looking at people;

2. establishments looking at people; 3. establishments looking at

establishments or people looking at people; 4. people looking at

establishments and 5. people looking at government. There are

advantages and disadvantages to all types of surveillance as well as

many ethical ...

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...hical uses of

surveillance technology. Although this would be the most ethical way

to handle the issue, it is impossible to stop all uses of unethical

surveillance. The continuous advancements in surveillance technology

will continue to make it more difficult to regulate the use of

surveillance, regardless of how much social control is implemented.

Bibliography

Fasoldt, Al. A test of the latest surveillance- camera detector,

tongue in cheek. 1986. The Syracuse Newspapers.

Wakefield, Jane. Surveillance cameras to predict behaviour. 2002. BBC

News Online technology.

Mann, Steve. Privacy Issues of Wearable Cameras versus Surveillance

Cameras. 1995. Newsweek.