Surveillance on false security of surveillance cameras

In recent years, the security industry has ushered in a new era of digital surveillance. The video surveillance platform has also entered the fast lane of development. At the same time, video surveillance equipment has begun to become smart and convenient. It is understood that the development trend of China's video surveillance market in the future is family and civilian use. Indeed, in real life, the application of surveillance cameras seems to have solved many needs for the market. However, the ubiquitous surveillance cameras at the same time have caused the media and the public to revisit “safety or privacy”.

Has repeatedly solved the case to become a "hero"

On April 15, an explosion occurred during the Boston International Marathon. Three people died and hundreds of others were injured. Three days later, the FBI announced photos of two suspects and called on the public to assist in the arrest.

The photo was taken from the surveillance video near the end of the marathon on the day of the incident. It clearly shows that the “suspected one” is wearing a dark coat, light-colored pants, a dark baseball cap, and a black backpack. “Suspect 2” is wearing a dark coat. Pants, wearing a white baseball cap, back light backpack. In addition to the photographs, the FBI also released a video of two people walking in front of one another in an explosion on the street. Thanks to the clues provided by the cameras, the suspects were quickly arrested.

Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has begun deploying surveillance cameras densely in public places such as subways, plazas, and office buildings. It has been reported that there are about 150 cameras in Boston's municipal supervision, and in New York, where more people are more likely to be involved in terrorist attacks, the city has installed more than 3,000 surveillance cameras, mainly in downtown Manhattan.

Some cities and towns apply to the state government for the purchase of surveillance camera equipment, which is installed in places with high traffic such as highways and shopping malls. Some communities and schools have also built their own independent security surveillance systems, hoping to use the "all-round and no dead ends" camera network to record possible crimes. The Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey installed 190 surveillance cameras on campus seven years ago and is located in school buildings, parking lots, gyms, and even hallways. The school’s public safety director Myers said that the monitoring system helped the police detect multiple thefts in the dormitory.

The role was highlighted at the beginning of the support of surveillance cameras. Human rights organizations accused the government of violating citizens’ privacy. With terrorist attacks and vicious crimes happening in recent years, surveillance video plays an important role in assisting the police in cracking down on crimes and raising evidence. The widespread use of surveillance cameras has received increasing public support.

A recent survey in North Bergen, New Jersey, showed that more than 88% of respondents agreed to install more surveillance cameras, and 95% said it would make them feel safer. In addition, 74% of respondents believe that the installation of surveillance cameras does not infringe on privacy, and 19% of respondents believe that personal privacy will be threatened. Jim Pasko, executive director of the US Police Brothers Association, said that he noticed that the resistance of human rights organizations to surveillance cameras has weakened in recent years. "When you feel safe at home or on the street, privacy is a hollow concern," Pasco said.

Bring "false security"?

Despite this, there was always a protest to install surveillance cameras everywhere. Human rights organizations criticized the monitoring facilities for recording crimes and at the same time kept a large number of ordinary people's every move. They believe that the surveillance cameras have acquired “overdue” information from the public and stored them, and that this information is easily grasped and abused by relevant agencies. From the government to the supermarkets, they now have a wealth of personal data through surveillance videos, including identity, eating habits, health status, and weaknesses. Once the information is leaked, it may damage the interests of the people and even bring death.

“We have never been opposed to installing surveillance cameras in important locations or venues such as marathons. We are talking about a balance between the public safety benefits and the government’s possession of innocuous citizens’ privacy information,” Wetzner said.

Richards, a law professor at the University of Washington, pointed out that the more advanced monitoring technology, the more personal information the government can obtain. "This will give the government more power over the people. This power can be used not only for monitoring but also for extortion, lobbying or discrimination." Richards said, "The police are everywhere. But it's another thing to check your identity card and track your police at any time."

In response to the enthusiasm of some people after the bombing in Boston for surveillance cameras, opponents pointed out that no more cameras can prevent terrorist attacks. Richards believes that installing too many surveillance cameras may result in the opposite, because they will bring “false security” and cause the police to replace the police patrols with cameras, and the latter is truly capable of analysis and action and can stop the tragedy in a timely manner. The effective way to happen again.