Comments on: Surveillance in the Home

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:10:25 +0000

I agree, Georgiana. In the end, I think surveillance will become more and more ubiquitous because we’re not as afraid of it as we are of other things.

By: Georgiana

Georgiana — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:49:36 +0000

I think some parents would also choose this option over losing their children to foster care. When you’re faced with impossible choices you take the one that will cause the least harm.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:31:39 +0000

My point exactly, Damo. I think a lot of people will agree with you and this is how surveillance will spread. As for my opinion on this, I am neither pro- nor anti-. I’m merely an interested observer.

By: Damo

Damo — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 07:32:02 +0000

Seeing the state of some families I reckon its not a bad idea!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:31:34 +0000

Ooh, but that’s even creepier. A government-run compound under 24-hour surveillance? Now they’re just basically ripping off my next novel. I should sue them for plagiarism.

By: Damo

Damo — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:19:20 +0000

That article was a bit sensationalist (it is the Daily Express).

From wired.com
UPDATE: Further research shows that the Express didn’t quite have all its facts straight. This scheme is active, and the numbers are fairly accurate (if estimated), but the mentions of actual cameras in people’s homes are exaggerated. The truth is that the scheme can take the most troublesome families out of their homes and move them, temporarily, to a neutral, government-run compound. Here they will be under 24-hour supervision. CCTV cameras are not specifically mentioned, not are they denied, but 24-hour “supervision” certainly doesn’t rule this out from the camera-loving Brits.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:31:55 +0000

It is indeed, Eugene.

By: Eugene

Eugene — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:08:40 +0000

At least they’re being open and unashamed about the proposal. I think I’m more creeped out by all the surveillance that we don’t know about, all those cameras we don’t have any control over. Sure, it’s for our protection, but it could also be subverted for some diabolical purpose.

And I think you’re right about people signing up to be watched if there’s a chance at a reward… Isn’t that basically reality television?

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:34:01 +0000

I’m reminded of the song “Voluntary Amputation” by the hardcore band His Hero Is Gone. Lyrics: “They don’t even have to break down our doors, blindfold and gag us with their force and install mind control devices in our homes. We buy them on our own!” That song was on their first LP, which was released 12 years ago. Prescient.

And in case it isn’t clear, I completely agree with your take on this issue.