Turning a Blind Eye to Big Brother

SiliconRedox writes: "An article in the NYTimes (user reg.) details what many of us who have worked with video or electronics have known for quite awhile: Shine a laser beam (or infrared, but the article doesn't get into that) at a video camera, and you can effectively blind certain viewpoints of the camera. The article follows one man trying to cope with the surveillence society by removing his own image from everyday video footage using this technique. The most interesting part? What kind of culpability does the individual or institution have in utilizing this kind of technology?"

Comments

It happens EVERY DAY

[cryofan2]

In fact, not too far from the Washington DC area, the body of a 9 yo girl was found after she was abducted from her home where her parents were murdered. The scavengers didn't leave much, just some ribs and a hank of hair attached to what was left of her skull. But it was enough to identify her....

A cheap webcam mounted on a light pole in her neighborhood could have brought the murderer to justice. But some people would rather indulge in 1984 fantasies....

Re:What are you? Thief? Rapist? Burglar? Murderer?

[cryofan2]

>>
Am I a rapist, that you must know where I am at all times?
>>

yes, if an eyewitness saw you near the scene of a rape, you would be questioned.

>>
Am I a burglar, that I must explain my reasons for being in a particular place at a particular time?
>>>

yes, if an eyewitness saw you near the scene of a burglary, you would have to explain your reasons for being at that particular place at that particular time.

>>
Am I a murderer, that I may not move about freely of my own accord?
>>

yes, if an eyewitness saw you murder someone, expect some rather severe curtailments of your liberty.

And if the "eyewitness" is one that watches 24-7, unfailingly, always wakeful, always truthful? That is the camera....it never sleeps, or gets tired or hungry...it just keeps coming and coming, and it will never stop (given an ocassional replacement). It is the =Terminator= of witnesses...and I want it on my side.

Re:What are you? Thief? Rapist? Burglar? Murderer?

[Jeff DeMaagd]

And if the "eyewitness" is one that watches 24-7, unfailingly, always wakeful, always truthful? That is the camera....it never sleeps, or gets tired or hungry...it just keeps coming and coming, and it will never stop (given an ocassional replacement). It is the =Terminator= of witnesses...and I want it on my side.

Will it really be on your side? Do you have any assurance that the videos won't be forged? Do we really need big brother keeping law abiding citizens under his thumbs? I bet there are other unintended consequences that have yet to be considered even by the likes of Orwell, Gilliam and gang.

Re:Privacy

[oliverthered]

Is it better to die a hidious death, or to go to hell for etirnity?

Well that's the kind of quandry that they face, and the CS decided that it was 'better' to die a hidious death and go to heaven then live a better mortal life an goto hell.

I don't believe in GOD, Heaven or Hell but I absolutly believe it is 'your' write to stand up for and practice what you think to be true, and your write to pratice what you believe in, so long as it's 'natural'.

You may feel confortable in your Job or going through collage education, personal that makes me feel oppressed and paranoid

Check the link, you'll be supprised.