Video Security

As video technology becomes more advanced, there is no doubt a concern about the security of all people. Newer technologies allow people or governments to do video surveillance on unsuspecting individuals more efficiently and more covertly. Cameras can be hidden within smoke detectors or mounted on walls. They can even be as small as to fit inside an ordinary pen or a pair of glasses. The technology can only get better and therefore cameras and other surveillance equipment co uld possibly penetrate into the lives of everyone on the planet. Imagine that you are being watched 24 hours a day. Would you feel comfortable knowing that someone is watching you?

Whether video technology is beneficial to the human beings or not depends on how it is used. Video cameras are probably the most common device used for security in businesses. Banks use cameras to survey the interior, while c ameras are mounted outside to monitor ATMs in addition to the entrances and exits. Stores use cameras to monitor customers and employees in order to deter shoplifting. In these cases, the cameras are used for protection, for both the customers and the bus inesses.

Protection of an individual�s rights is always a concern when discussing security. How can security be effective without compromising a person�s privacy? In Newham, a borough of London, the police are testing a computer-cont rolled surveillance system that will analyze a person�s face and will notify them if the face matches one from its database. The database only contains information about criminals. The system is likely to be used to deter shoplifting and mugging. Although only deployed in one borough in London, it could be used anywhere. It can be used to watch for not only muggers and shoplifters, but also for murderers, car-jackers, jaywalkers, and so on. It sounds like a perfectly reasonable system for reducing crime a nd catching criminals, only when used responsibly. However, how many innocent people would like to be watched when out in public or in a store?