Smile! You're on CCTV (LITUK, Part 4)

While Americans debate the pros and cons of privacy infringement in light of national security, Great Britain is literally covered with reminders that Big Brother is always watching. CCTV, or closed circuit television, is the UK's attempt to deter criminals from their dastardly deeds. There are even CCTVs on the bus, complete with a sign notifying you of their intention of preventing you from committing any anti-social behaviours. I don't know how effective CCTV is in preventing criminals from committing criminal acts, but it sure has made me think twice about doing anything anti-social like picking my nose or leaving the flat without looking my best.

CCTV monitor at front of bus

Anyway, there is data to suggest that there are 4.5 million CCTV cameras throughout the UK and that a person in London can/may/is likely to have their image captured by CCTV 300 times in one day.


Regardless of whether CCTV actually achieves its end goal, it does provide for some very good entertainment. Check this out (apparently from Russia, gets interesting around the 35s mark):

Of course, by entertainment, I meant points/evidence for a stimulating debate about privacy. How does CCTV footage even get released to Youtube. Surely that's not ethical.

I don't think CCTV is going anywhere soon, so just remember to smile. Because you're on CCTV.