Papers, & Statistics
Open Source
MARCH 13, 2001
UNEASE is growing in the United States over the use of video surveillance systems. Privacy watchdogs have been jumping up and down about technology that was used at the most recent Super Bowl football match.
At the big game, one of the highest profile sporting contests in the US, cameras at each entrance captured images of the faces of everyone entering the ground.
These images were then automatically compared with a massive photographic database of known troublemakers and terrorists.
Naturally, law enforcement authorities are praising the technology as a weapon in the constant fight against violence at sporting events. But you can't help thinking it's all a bit much.
Where does security end and a person's right to privacy begin? Should such systems be linked to cameras monitoring public places such as shopping centres, train stations and airports? Expect the debate to continue for a while yet before the ground rules are determined.
Incidentally, the massive Super Bowl operation did not uncover any terrorists, kidnappers or other villains. Just a couple of small-time crooks there to enjoy the match. Tough luck boys.
