Arguments Against Video Surveillance

January 13, 2010 by cbartell
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Security Camera 

As the use of CCTV cameras increases across the United States and globe, so does the debate over their numbers and motives. In a previous post, Arguments for Video Surveillance, we looked at four arguments for video surveillance. These arguments included peace of mind, loss prevention, crime deterrent, and crime solving.

But what about the other side of the fence? The ACLU has an entire Web site, You Are Being Watched, devoted to the “high costs of camera surveillance systems, both in terms of money and civil liberties,” and there are a large number of individuals and other groups out there that oppose “big brother” watching our every move.

So, what are some of the arguments against the use of CCTV surveillance systems?

  1. Invasion of Privacy – This is the most common argument against surveillance systems. While video surveillance is more commonly accepted in public areas, this sentiment comes into play with the use of covert and hidden cameras in almost every case.
  2. Mistrust – The use of security cameras in your home or business can make its occupants feel mistrusted. If your family members or employees are under constant surveillance, there is likely to be hostility and animosity in the air.
  3. Not Proven Effective – Studies done in California and London have found that security cameras had little to no effect on reducing the crime rate. With an increase in the sheer number of cameras in many large cities, many replacing human security guards, this is a strong argument that will be the main target of many opposing groups.
  4. Misuse and Abuse – The footage captured by CCTV cameras becomes susceptible to abuse and misuse by those who have access to it. For instance, the footage can be used to discriminate against people and for voyeurism. In the age of the internet, this is another huge deal, as can be seen by all of the “hilarious” YouTube videos out there. I doubt the subjects would find most of them as funny.

All of these reasons are valid arguments against CCTV surveillance. There are many cities and countries that have massive surveillance systems, and we will likely see a large increase in public monitoring in the near future, so the more the public knows about the industry and their rights, etc, the more everyone can prepare for when it happens in your little corner of the globe.

Do you have any additional arguments against the use of security camera systems? What are your thoughts? Will you fight them, or open your “public” life up willingly to being observed? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you.

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Comments

5 Comments on Arguments Against Video Surveillance

  1. Don on Fri, 15th Jan 2010 12:51 am

    2. You made some good points here, but I still feel the pros out weigh the cons in this argument.

  2. Jonathan on Fri, 15th Jan 2010 2:12 pm

    3. I agree with Don. Without security cameras, there would be more theft in my opinion. Security cameras may not always “catch the bad guy”, but they definitely help deter their activities…similar to a guard on duty. Except, with the security cameras, you don’t have to pay a yearly salary. Among other things, security cameras can also get tied in with POS devices to overlay transactions on top of video that could be watching the POS, get tied in with access control and I/O devices and sent alerts if a camera is moved, spray-painted or comes offline. It’s all about being there without being there!

  3. joeltjen on Mon, 18th Jan 2010 8:44 pm

    4. Don & Jonathan

    I think you guys hint on a very good point that isn’t always considered. Those in opposition to CCTV in public areas, etc, can’t really back up their numbers 100% because of the unknown amount of crime that cameras deter on a daily basis. Suppose any given establishment was stolen from twice a year without security cameras, and only one time a year with a cctv surveillance system in place – that alone makes it worthwhile, doesn’t it? Maybe the park gets vandalized 100 times a year without security cameras and only 50 times a year when they are in place, and 5 of those times the perp(s) were tracked down and jailed. Worth it? Many would argue that it is.

  4. Ronald on Thu, 21st Jan 2010 1:53 pm

    5. I’ve never really been concerned about being on a security camera. To some extent, I suppose they make me feel slightly uncomfortable, but only because I’m imagining some stranger sitting at a monitor watching my every move. The fact is that without a 1 to 1 ratio not every security camera can be monitored and no one has time to watch 24 hours a day worth of surveillance video. The man power it would take to go through all that video just wouldn’t be worth it. I say don’t fear security cameras, because they help when it really matters and as long as they aren’t in an area that invades personal privacy such as a public restroom, then I don’t see a problem with them. Most likely the guy on the other end of the camera is asleep at his desk, head buried in a pile of donuts.

  5. CCTV Distributor on Sun, 10th Apr 2011 3:21 pm

    6. I will come here often for information concerning Discounted and Commercial CCTV and Surveillance Equipment

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