The number of installed surveillance cameras in public areas is increasing due to governments trying to keep those areas safe. It helps to lower the crime rate, but at the same time it can violate people’s privacy.
Installing surveillance cameras may prevent people from commiting crimes, because of higher chances to get caught. It helps police with face, characteristic parts or vehicle recognition in thier investigations. This is much more reliable and precise than using information given by witnesses. For this reason video recording of commiting a crime can also be used as an eveidence in court. For example, if the same pickpocket shows up in a certain surveillanced sqaure day by day, police officers have a lead to track him down and an evidence that can lead to his prosecution.
On the other hand, people can be feared for their privacy. The feeling of being watched 24/7 can transform into being paranoid and bring the opposite effect than intended. In addition to that, if unauthorized poeple will gain access to a surveillance system, they can gather personal information such as a person’s image, adress, car they use or even who they spend their time with. This can lead to unpleasant situastions, such as selling personal data on darknet or turn into stalking cases.
In conclusion, installing surveillance cameras in public areas may bring both increase of safety, by reducing amount of crimes, and new be a new source of danger to people’s privacy. It all depends on how responsible governments take this matter into their hands.
