With an aim to enhance public safety, authorities have been mounting security cameras in shared spaces like roads and plazas, and the initiative’s advantages outweigh the disadvantages given that such monitoring devices increase public safety.
One of the reasons why such surveillance devices prove to be advantageous is by creating a safe environment for general public since the cameras record everything that has been going on throughout the day, allowing concerned authorities to retrieve information on any crime that has occurred and penalize the perpetrator, providing prompt justice which will eventually help in reducing the crime rates. Public spaces with such close observation promote a safe environment for everyone, especially women as it is reported that in countries like India where crime against women is very high, installation of such devices has made them feel safer.
While installation of security cameras come with a lot benefits, but there are some notable drawbacks that raise concerns among many, with major apprehension being the constant invasion of individual privacy. The footages procured through the monitoring devices can often be used by restrictive regimes to control the activities of the citizens who do not abide by the autocratic rules enforced by the government. To illustrate, recently a Bangladeshi couple was beheaded in Saudi Arabia, just for miniscule display of affection in public, which was captured by a surveillance camera.
In conclusion, installation of security monitoring devices outweighs the drawbacks by creating a safer common area for citizens and helping in decreasing the crime rates, however there are disadvantages that come along with it when governments use to curtail freedom.