Surveillance Technology and Freedom

Do you ever get the feeling you’re being watched?

Well, there’s a good chance you are, in one way or another.

Below, we examine surveillance technology and some surprising ways it’s used.

Surveillance technology describes devices and software that monitor people or places to gather information about them.

These technologies can have benefits; for example, reducing crime, gathering data for medical research, and simplifying our lives.

But should we be worried about all this surveillance?

Read on and decide for yourself!

Here are some common technologies for gathering personal information: 

• Video (CCTV): Anything from a single security camera at a specific location to a central network of videos controlled by the government
• Biometrics: The use of unique characteristics like retinas, voice, or facial features used for identification (e.g., fingerprints in an electronic passport)
• Drones: Small, unmanned aircraft that take photos and record audio and video
• RFID: Tiny computer chips put inside objects for contactless transactions (e.g., swiping a transit pass)
• Stingray: A device that monitors cell phones to get information about a person’s location and identity
• Computer and network surveillance: Monitors your use of the internet to get data about your friends, purchases, activities, and opinions

Surveillance technology is used worldwide. But to truly understand how far it can go, let’s examine the situation in China.

Skynet

China’s system of surveillance is called Skynet. In 2019, around 200 million Skynet cameras were monitoring the country (compared to around 30 million in the U.S.).

The Chinese government says Skynet was created to track crime: With so many cameras across the country, Skynet can catch a criminal in minutes.

Social credit score

The “social credit score” system has been in development since 2014. It’s used with Skynet to evaluate citizens’ behaviour. The government says that the goal is for people to trust one another.

It works like this: Everyone starts with the same score (1,000). Your score decreases with bad behaviour—from drunk driving to spending money frivolously.

Consequences for low scores include being banned from travel or losing employment. High scorers may get discounted electricity bills and faster tourist visa approvals.

Mass surveillance supporters say it’s a positive thing, offering safety, convenience, and even rewards—but is it worth the price of freedom?

Surveillance Technology Comprehension

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