Image: Jared Rodriguez; Adapted: naixn, Jason Smith

If you are like most people, the introduction chapter of Ubiquitous Surveillance by David Parry probably put you into a state of complete paranoia. However, he is not trying to scare his readers, he instead is trying to educate them on the harsh reality of our current lack of privacy.

Prior to this reading, I was well aware on the lack of privacy that we have in this day and age. On the other hand, I was completely unaware on the extent of surveillance measures that are being taken.

For example, his section “Somebody is Watching You: Cameras Everywhere” brings up a number of great points. It made me realize that cameras are literally everywhere around us. Everyday we are being watched, whether we voluntarily allow someone to snap footage of us or involuntarily when we enter a store.

“eyes watching everywhere”- David Parry

Image by Leelee821

I have never given a second thought about cameras. When you think about it, it really is creepy. You think no one is watching you but you are absolutely mistaken. Some one somewhere is watching.

“Further, with the growth of mobile computing devices (smart phones) many people now carry video cameras with them everywhere.” – David Parry

“Not only will governments and large institutions posses the technology of surveillance (Big Brother is watching) but individuals will be monitoring as well (everybody is watching everybody). ” – David Parry

These two quotes by David Parry raise some great points about cameras being so easily accessible. We are all able to spy on each other. Whether one uses this information for good or bad depends on them. But we learn from the author, that we all spy on each other, not just big agencies and corporations. When we discuss this technology as being available to everyone it is hard to understand what the users intentions are — which is why it can be so scary.

As technology becomes more advanced this can be quite uncomfortable for many. Parry talks about SwarMAV, which stands for, “Swarm of Miniature Aerial Vehicles. He describes SwarMAV as:

“…cameras attached to tiny aerial vehicles: vehicles which can coordinate with each other and operate semi-autonomously. In the future, robotic insects will have cameras and they will be recording your every move.” – David Parry

This technology as invasive as it may seem could provide advantages, describes Parry. Together a swarm of cameras could form a network exchanging vital information amongst each other. This could be extremely beneficial for instances such as crimes and even the war on terrorism. This is a great example of surveillance technology being beneficiary. But once it interferes with the common man, issues on protection of privacy could be raised.

In all, it may seem very scary to know that we are constantly being watched. No matter what, we always seems to take the bad immediately – well if you’re a pessimist you will. This article is a great example on looking at the glass as either half full or half empty. If you view the glass as half full, you believe that the gathering of all this information will be extremely beneficial in providing data to help improve mankind. If you view the glass as half empty, you become paranoid that you are under constant watch and everyone is out to get you.

The best thing to do is to accept it. Why? There really is not too much you can do. But hey, if you can go out and fight this kudos to you! If not, just take a step back and remember that it affects everyone not just you.