PETERS: Even in our camera-mad world, we need to be wary of government surveillance

The presence of a camera in a public place is no longer noticeable and unique.

We all have cameras in our pockets at all times. Our entire lives are documented and shared online to anyone who might care to look.

On Instagram alone, 1.3-billion photos are shared every single day.

Every moment of our lives we spend in public has the potential to be caught in the background of someone’s selfie.

Celebrities don’t only need to worry about the paparazzi nowadays. That role can and will be played by anyone and everyone.

The flip side of that coin, however, is the presence of all these cameras has not seemed to have a meaningful impact on the prevalence of crime in our communities.

Criminals know they have a better chance than ever of being captured on photo or video, but that is not acting as much of a deterrent.

Will installing cameras on public infrastructure really make a difference in Kamloops?

Despite the general acceptance of the proliferation of cameras, the prospect of widespread government surveillance is still chilling, bringing to mind George Orwell’s dystopian 1984.

People may expect to be photographed and recorded, but they also expect that won’t intrude on their personal freedoms, including of thought, expression and movement.

That’s why any move to institute more widespread surveillance must be countered with significant checks and balances.

Video recording as crime deterrence may be warranted — and even welcomed — but any further wielding of this weapon of government power against the public cannot happen.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: Even in our camera-mad world, we need to be wary of government surveillance

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