Britain's Talking Surveillance Cameras Seen as a Big Brother Like Intrusion

Increasing fears of unorthodox and unnecessary surveillance and information gathering in the United States is of high concern among the populace, as many fear that their privacy is being invaded unjustly and without provocation.

But while we busy ourselves launching investigations into illegal wire-tapping and computer programs that collect personal data, the ever-present entity of Big Brother has been thriving in the UK. With eyes in nearly every corner of the UK watching the citizenry via surveillance cameras, Big Brother now has a voice, and it isn't shy about using it.

The citizens of Britain have long shared the streets with hundreds of thousands of surveillance cameras that have watched and recorded their every move. Many of the cameras are now receiving an upgrade, capable of making live announcements directed at passerby's who warrant the attention.

For example, whereas someone may have once been able to litter with ease, leaving fast food wrappers sitting on a bench without fear of repercussion, they may now be shamed into depositing the garbage in a nearby trashcan, thanks to security staff members calling out to the offender to do the right thing, utilizing the talking surveillance cameras.

There is of course opposition to the new talking surveillance cameras, with many claiming it is an intrusion into their privacy. However, these cameras are situated on public streets, not in private homes, so technically they are no more intrusive than a passing police officer who may be noticing the same offense.

Still, whereas once people could move about the streets with relative ease, despite the knowledge of the many surveillance cameras, there was still an element of security, since many likely felt that the cameras were merely recording the events of the day, and petty offenses such as littering and rowdiness would not be noticed.

A surveillance camera

Credit: marc navarro

Copyright: marc navarro