Online surveillance tools are utilized by police and intelligence agencies to monitor, record and analyze digital activity. These include software programs for online security as well as hardware cameras that are connected to a server to store and manage data. Surveillance systems help investigators track a person’s location, determine their physical characteristics, and recognize any suspicious behavior. They can be used to detect potential theft and sabotage of sensitive information.
Governments should ensure that the design, acquisition and operation of surveillance technology is guided by respect for privacy and human rights principles, including the protection of bodily autonomy, avoiding interference with personal freedoms and minimizing the collection and retention of data. This means establishing clear limits on the extent of information collected, and ensuring that the technology is only utilized only when it is essential and proportionate to achieve legitimate objectives in a given context, and ensuring access to legal counsel for those concerned about their use.
While authorities might argue that these tools are needed for preventing terrorist activities, human rights organizations believe the widespread use of such technology can lead to the misuse of discretion and power of police officers. US agencies have utilized surveillance software, such as facial recognition and social media mining to identify tourists, citizens, and protesters in public areas.
BrickHouse Security carries many different counter surveillance tools designed to protect one’s privacy and avoid unwanted surveillance. These range from portable detection devices that can scan an area for hidden cameras in a matter of seconds to white noise masking devices to prevent recording devices from picking up sounds.