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WebWord Weblog Posting Posting Date: September 28, 2002 As Security Cameras Sprout, Someone's Always Watching -- "I understand the arguments against them, but I don't worry because I am not doing anything wrong. I consider it security. The people with the biggest problem seem to have a guilty conscience and have something to hide." (Comments: How many times per day are you recorded? Do you care that you are sometimes recorded on videotape without knowing it? Take the poll!)
Reader Comments...
My first time in a Wal-Mart I noticed surveillance cameras so numerous that I was preoccupied with trying to count them all. (The cameras were obvious -- black spheres jutting out from a white ceiling.) The store was like navigating a maze -- ulta-high aisles with numerous turns -- and it made my counting next to impossible. I think I stopped counting around 50, and I had a long way to go. I suspect they had a camera for every single twist and turn in their aisles. Costco is the only Big Box that I regularly visit. (Does Costco have cameras?) The rest of the stores I frequent are too small to bother with cameras. There are no public cameras in my surrounding towns. Too small. One time when a camera was proposed there was an uproar from all segments of the community. Posted by: Jack on September 29, 2002 12:16 AM
I wonder whether webcam folk feel differently about being watched in public spaces. Posted by: Jack on September 29, 2002 01:17 AM
Go take a look at http://www.wearcam.org This guy is impressive. http://engwear.org/ might also be interesting. Definately look at http://www.wearcam.org/shootingback.html and http://www.wearcam.org/netcam_privacy_issues.html ----- From website:
Under the Data Protection Act in the UK, you are entitled to a copy of any video recordings made of you by CCTV systems. One TV show ran a competition for the best short film created using footage obtained under the act. Posted by: Stephen on September 29, 2002 06:25 AM
I think what worries a lot of people here in the UK is the way cameras are spreading beyond shops and known trouble spots, and the way they're increasing being networked. I think I'd rather take my chances on most streets round here than be under constant surveillance. What's interesting is how cameras are working their way into things like mobile phones. Perhaps the police'll set up special lines where people can call in with live video footage of possible crimes.
I used my digital camera the other day to take a picture of that obnoxious TV monitor, it showing me standing there, at the entrance to Mervyn's. Color is becoming more prevalent. At least they have the decency to invade my privacy in full color. My usual act of subtle defiance is to check my hair in the visible monitor. More seriously, the objection I have is to recording. If owners want to see what's going on in their business but not record it, I object less. Some newer stoplights have cameras, but all they do is look to see if cars are there, and never record anything. No problem with that.
I don't like surveillance cameras. I worry that as technology advances, it will be easier for a person or organization to "enhance" recorded images, then use the videos against innocent parties. Posted by: jan on September 30, 2002 10:59 AM
An example of camera recording that I like is the Washington state traffic cameras - I check these to get a feel for traffic before driving home. I don't, however, like the idea of being recorded as an individual person. The thing is, I don't really know why. It just bothers me. I like that stores want to promote security, but it also feels sort of insulting and a bit degrading. I do find those entrance monitors really annoying. It makes me think of that scene in "Minority Report" where Tom Cruise is running through the mall and it is tracking him and trying to sell to him. Argh! Posted by: Lydia on September 30, 2002 03:46 PM
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