A more important goal for the
safety of our society - Millions of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras
are installed on streets and businesses around the world with the stated goal
of reducing crime and increasing public safety. CCTV cameras can also create
unexpected effects, good and bad. The "halo" effect refers to the
potential for enhancing security in areas beyond the view of the cameras.
Referring to the security of our locality that also attracts thieves, burglars
and other less serious crimes that could easily be fought with the help of CCTV
vigilance.
Before starting implementation,
there is a set of principles and tools to ensure the respect of citizens'
rights with video surveillance systems. These included -
Need: the use of camera systems
must be empirically justified. The objectives and the expected results must be
defined.
Proportionality: CCTV equipment
must be adapted to the problem for which it is intended. The data must be
protected and the retention period kept clearly defined.
Transparency: Citizens should
know what are the objectives of a video surveillance system, what are the costs
of installation and operation, the areas examined and the results.
Responsibility: Officials of
public video surveillance systems must be clearly identified and accountable to
the public, whether these systems are managed by the government or by private
companies.
Independent oversight: an
external body should be responsible for ensuring that the systems respect the
rights of the public and achieve the goals they set out.
To sum up, public interest and
security with surveillance cameras are here to stay. We need to define the
definition of a public camera to defend the public interest and respond quickly
to the intention. In the end, security does not come with compromises.
