Criticisms

=Criticism - Arguments against CCTV= media type="custom" key="11441686" width="297" height="297" align="right"

Despite the obvious benefits of CCTV, such as crime prevention and peace of mind, there are drawbacks. Some of these include:

- **Invasion of Privacy** This is the most common argument against surveillance systems. No one likes the idea of being watched, but yet we are starting to see security cameras on many more street corners and light poles. Cities normally justify these additions by saying they are monitoring and preventing crime, which is valid, but many people, both innocent and not, would rather the cameras not be there. While video surveillance is more commonly accepted in public areas, this sentiment comes into play more so with the use of covert and hidden cameras in private areas. Laws enforce restrictions in this arena, for now, but the main concern is the future of citizen privacy.

- **Mistrust** The use of security cameras in your home or business can make its occupants feel mistrusted. If your family members or employees are under constant surveillance, there is likely to be hostility and animosity in the air. Feeling like every move you make is monitored and recorded is not only creepy, but downright scary. Even the most trusted employees can become paranoid and nervous when a camera is pointing at their cubicle all day. No more dozing off, checking facebook, text messaging or doodling, you are being watched!

- **Not Proven** Effective Studies done in California and London have found that security cameras had little to no effect on reducing the crime rate. With an increase in the sheer number of cameras in many large cities, many replacing human security guards, this is a strong argument that will be the main target of many opposing groups. I think we can all agree that there is no replacement for a thinking, acting, problem solving human police officer or security guard, and if we begin to rely on cameras as pure deterrents, how do we plan on stopping crimes as they are happening?

- **Misuse and Abuse** The footage captured by CCTV cameras becomes susceptible to abuse and misuse by those who have access to it. For instance, the footage can be used to discriminate against people and for voyeurism. In the age of the Internet, this is another huge deal, as can be seen by all of the hilarious YouTube videos out there. I doubt the subjects would find most of them as funny. This obviously ties into the invasion of privacy issue, and is one of the primary concerns of activists. All it takes is one funny guy security guard to post footage or still images of an individual doing something embarrassing or that they shouldn t be and reputations are ruined, privacy is obliterated and those that oppose CCTV will have more ammo. CCTV can also be used in negative terms by criminals. Like in ATMs CCTV camera can be used to capture pin code without their knowledge. ( http://expertscolumn.com/content/cctv-camera-and-its-implications)

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The UK is being watched by a network of 1.85m CCTV cameras, the vast majority of which are run by private companies, according to the only large-scale audit of [|surveillance] cameras ever conducted.
 * Statistically there is 1 CCTV camera for every 32 people in the UK.[[image:presentation_thumb_02.jpg width="279" height="170" align="right"]]**

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CCTV has become increasingly present in the media in a negative context, over the years. Not only in the news, and newspapers but also in a social aspect, through internet sites and blogs. Some examples of these, and places where you can gather further information and other peoples opinions, include;
 * __Anti-CCTV within the media__**


 * Websites -** http://www.no-cctv.org.uk/


 * Forums and blogs -** http://www.cctvforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=26372

- http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/mar/02/cctv-cameras-watching-surveillance
 * In the news -** http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/anti-cctv-opinions/6403.html