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The Issue:
The Police department is considering installing surveillance cameras in all major public areas, in an effort to crack down on crime.
The Debate:
The Government Position:
- "This is a blatant invasion of the right to privacy!" says libertarian web site operator Melbourne Dredd. "Now I can't even go out in public any more without being watched? And you know this is just the beginning. Today there are cameras in city streets. Tomorrow they're peering through your bedroom window."
- "Hey, I've got news for you," says Police media liaison Freddy Thiesen. "When you're out in public, PEOPLE CAN SEE YOU. These cameras will be extremely helpful in reducing the national crime rate. Frankly, I can't see what the fuss is about."
- "This 'slippery slope' argument has got me thinking," says Police Minister Roxanne Barry. "You know, it would be a lot easier to fight crime if we watched people all the time. Not with cameras, of course. That's clearly an invasion of privacy. But how about a national database of our citizens, coupled with compulsory ID cards and barcoding? It would stop crime dead in its tracks."
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 2.
My thoughts:
Where does one draw the line between public behavior and private behavior? If I am in a public place like a street corner is there a substantial difference between a cop standing on the corner, and a camera with a cop behind the lens? I propse ubiquitous public surveillance with camera records publically available to all citizens, so sure, the cops can see what you do in public places, but you can also see what the cops are doing in public places. We'll put these public cameras in police stations as well, to make certain that in public buildings everyone has the same rights. In private of course, privacy should be nigh-inviolable. This is where the "Big Brother" analogy fails, because there are no government cameras in homes, only in public areas. Winston would be safe in his home from prying eyes, but he would also be safe outside from prying cops and preying crooks.
What do y'all think?
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The grey area starts with cameras on public property pointing at private property. Is it keen for the cops to look in your front window just in case you're snorting coke and too dumb to lower the blinds? Next up is cameras on private property pointing at other private property. This case shows another person too dumb to lower the blinds before having sex and what happens to all concerned when someone takes a picture.
Essenay will probably choose option one should it come up. Not enough safeguards in option two as written.
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I especially like these discussions because they're not really about rogue states or dominions but really about politics here and now, too.
Jury System pros and cons
I might have to decline membership in the UN if I choose to eschew the jury-trial system. Is it just to entrust a citizen's freedom to the measured judgement of twelve people who couldn't get out of jury duty?
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I can mostly only speak from a UK perspective - but in the UK the Data Protection Act means that if ANYONE has video, audio, or any data on you they MUST be able to provide you a copy of that data (they are allowed to charge a small fee, but the fee is limited to like.. 10 pounds I think).
I agree that if it is a public place there is no problem. Street CCTV cameras cut down crime a LOT they also increase response times to incidents an incredible ammount.
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Here's a couple of issues:
Sure, if I hop on my bike and pedal off to the next town over, I'm in public and I have no expectation that my image will be private. On the other hand, if everybody has access to the surveillance camera outside my home, they know when to break in and rob me.
Yeah, it's great to be diverse and tolerant of everybody's differences, and I'm OK and you're OK and blah blah blah. On the other hand, if everybody's watching on the webcam, people might think twice about sneaking out to the Furry Con or to the Bad Boyfriend's house. Privacy allows people the chance to try out new things without having to justify their actions.