Law enforcement and intelligence agencies employ surveillance tools that are online to observe, record and analyse digital activity. These include online security software and hardware cameras that connect to a server in order to store and manage data. Surveillance systems can help investigators trace a person’s whereabouts, pinpoint their physical characteristics, and detect any suspicious behavior. They can be utilized to detect possible threats to the security of information.
Governments should ensure that the design, procurement, operation and use of surveillance technologies are guided by respect for human rights and privacy principles, including protection of bodily autonomy, avoiding interference with individual freedoms and keeping to a minimum the collection and storage of data. This means setting clear boundaries on the scope of information being collected, and ensuring that this technology is only used only when it is essential and appropriate to achieve legitimate goals within a specific context, and ensuring access to legal advice for individuals concerned about their use.
While authorities may argue that these tools are essential to combat terrorist activities however, human rights groups argue that the widespread use of such technology can lead to the misuse of discretion and power of police officers. A number of US agencies have reportedly employed surveillance software, for example facial recognition and social media mining to monitor citizens and travelers in public areas or to monitor protesters and activists.
BrickHouse Security offers a variety of counter surveillance devices to protect privacy and prevent unwanted monitoring. They range from portable detectors that can scan an area for hidden cameras in a matter of seconds to white noise masking devices that prevent recording devices from picking up voices.
