Viewpoints
Opinion

Surveillance Is a Poor Substitute for Doing the Real Work of Crime Prevention

Biometric data captured in surveillance footage, especially of innocent bystanders, may cause far greater harm to all of us in the future.
Surveillance Is a Poor Substitute for Doing the Real Work of Crime Prevention
Artificial Intelligence security cameras using facial recognition technology are displayed at the 14th China International Exhibition on Public Safety and Security at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2018. Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images
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Commentary
Over the past few weeks, cities with sky-high crime rates and embarrassing levels of recidivism have trotted out shiny new surveillance tools and technology intended to create the impression that elected officials are doing the work of fighting crime. But what these announcements—and the subsequent coverage—overlook is how the biometric data captured in surveillance footage, especially of innocent bystanders, may cause far greater harm to all of us in the future.
Shannon Edwards
Shannon Edwards
Author
Shannon Edwards is an entrepreneur, consumer technology trends and policy expert, digital marketer, and journalist. She has led startups globally and has served for years as a media go-to on global tips and trends, and consumer advocacy.