Closed-circuit television (CCTV) as a component of contemporary monitoring
Closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video cameras, is a common component of contemporary monitoring. The tendency has accelerated as a result of the availability of ever-cheaper cameras and the fear of terrorism, with both public and private security officials using advanced systems that are problematic for contemporary society. (Choi and Lee 154). In just the last few years, police-operated CCTV cameras have proliferated in many places all over the world. Nevertheless, despite the numerous advantages of CCTV cameras, their use also carries some dangers for both users and the general public. (Choi and Lee 156). This essay investigates the various risks connected to the use of CCTV cameras for contemporary monitoring.
Dangers of using CCTV cameras in modern-day surveillance
One of the dangers of using CCTV cameras in modern-day surveillance is that CCTV cameras have not been proven to be effective in ensuring security. The understood justification for the recent drive to increase CCTV surveillance is the threats resulting from terrorist attacks. However, suicide attackers entirely undeterred by the presence of video cameras, and they may sometimes get attracted by the presence of such CCTV cameras (Silver 122). Besides, the installation of an extensive CCTV surveillance system may cost up to twenty percent of a country's criminal justice budget, which significantly exceeds the limited benefits that may be provided by the system in investigating attempted attacks or acts of violence. The actual reason for the installation of video cameras is to limit much pettier crimes, and it has not been proven that they can effectively achieve that (Silver 125).
Risk of abuse associated with CCTV cameras in modern-day surveillance
Additionally, the use of CCTV cameras in modern-day surveillance has the risk of being susceptible to abuse. There are several ways that the CCTV camera systems may get misused, and one of them is criminal abuse since they present law enforcement officers with an attractive opportunity for criminal misapplication (Choi and Lee 127). CCTV camera systems also have the risk of institutional abuse, especially when policies are set by the top management and the law enforcement agencies are turned toward abusive points. The video camera systems may also get abused for personal purposes, voyeurism, and unfair targeting, especially when the systems' operators focus disproportionately on individuals of color (Choi and Lee 129).
Lack of controls and limits in the use of CCTV cameras
Another danger of the use of CCTV cameras in modern-day surveillance is that their usage lacks controls or limits. CCTVs are advanced surveillance systems that need to be subject to a broad range of checks and balances to prevent various forms of abuses by the operators. Unfortunately, there is a lack of clear definition of the scope of operation of the CCTV systems, which poses a great danger (Silver 128). Besides, while the Constitution of some countries, such as the United States, provides some protection against the video searches carried out by the police, there are presently no general, legitimately enforceable regulations that limit an individual's privacy invasion and prevent the abuse of CCTV systems (Silver 130). Moreover, CCTV surveillance is likely to create a chilling effect on public life because people become less free-wheeling and more self-conscious when they realize that they are constantly under the watch of various security authorities (Choi and Lee 161).
The need to balance the benefits and dangers of CCTV systems
In overall, like any invasive technology, there is a need to balance the benefits of using video cameras to its dangers and costs. The CCTV technology has the potential of changing the people's core experience of moving in public due to its chilling effect on the society. Besides, the technology carries genuine risks of mission creep and abuse and may not provide effective protection against terrorism. The dangers of using CCTV systems in modern-day surveillance are, therefore, high and may outweigh their benefits.
Works Cited
Choi, Kyoungah, and Impyeong Lee. "Quantitative Evaluation on Surveillance Performance of CCTV Systems Based on Camera Modeling And 3D Spatial Analysis." Journal of the Korean Society of Surveying, Geodesy, Photogrammetry, and Cartography 32.2 (2014): 153-162. Web.
Silver, Joe. "Watched Life: The Surveillance State as Seen On CCTV." SSRN Electronic Journal (2013): 121-132. Web.
