Buzz
While the motives may be up for discussion, the reality that our governments and corporations are closely tracking our every move is indisputable. As technology evolves, often at a rapid pace, an increasing amount of data about us is collected and shared—and most of the time, we're unaware of how it's gathered or the purposes it might serve.
10. The Rise of CCTV Surveillance
In 2011, there was one CCTV camera for every 32 people in the UK. By 2016, that ratio had dropped to one camera for every 11 citizens, making the United Kingdom the most surveilled nation globally.
The UK is not the only nation keeping a close eye on its citizens. Virtually every country has deployed security cameras. In 2013, the BBC highlighted the growing installation and use of CCTV cameras in the United States, particularly noting their role in helping authorities catch the perpetrators of the Boston bombing. While these cameras are designed for security purposes and have been successfully used in numerous instances, their increasing presence has left some feeling uneasy, blurring the lines between safety and privacy infringement.
9. Smart TVs
If you own a TV that's connected to the Internet, it isn't just tracking what you're watching and when you're watching it—there's even a possibility that someone could be watching you.
Many smart TVs come equipped with built-in microphones and cameras. If there's a security breach in the server your TV is connected to, someone could potentially monitor your activities through your television. Concerns have been raised about such vulnerabilities, as TVs are often linked to servers without adequate security measures, making it easy for personal data to be stolen or for spyware and malicious software to be sent to your device.
8. Debit / Credit Cards
For a long time, it has been speculated that credit and debit cards track our spending habits and locations, and this theory is closer to reality than many might think. The transactions made with these cards can be monitored in real time by the U.S. government and other intelligence agencies, for instance.
The primary reason for such surveillance is to detect unusual spending patterns or purchases that could be linked to potential terrorist activities. What's even more concerning, particularly in the United States, is that the FBI can access this data without a warrant. Additionally, a judge will automatically issue a non-disclosure order, meaning the individual under surveillance will remain unaware of the monitoring by their bank.
7. Internet Searches and Web History
Each time you search on Google or most other search engines, that information is logged and stored—and governments can access it whenever they deem necessary. In the United States, the PATRIOT Act is broad enough to include internet searches and web history.
But it’s not just the United States. In November 2015, the UK government revealed that, as part of its ongoing counterterrorism efforts, people’s website history would be kept on record for a year by the relevant internet providers. Certain keywords are often used as “triggers” to prompt a closer examination of someone’s online activity by the government or other agencies. Despite promises of safeguards to prevent misuse by intelligence agencies and the police, there was significant public concern about the plans.
6. Smartphones
If you own a smartphone—and most people do—you might not fully realize just how advanced it really is or how much data it collects about your movements, searches, and almost every other action you take. As these phones become more sophisticated, the amount of information they gather and make available for companies to use is ever-increasing. Some devices can even track a person’s movements for up to a year.
Every time you download a new app onto your phone, it likely stores some of your personal information—and by installing the app, you grant permission for it to do so. Most phone manufacturers claim that this information stays strictly on the device and isn’t sent to external servers. However, some individuals remain skeptical about whether this is entirely true.
5. Social Media
Depending on your privacy settings, anyone can access your social media profile and view everything you've posted online. Even more concerning, the government has the legal right to monitor not only your public posts but also your private messages, as these are considered external communications—meaning they can be investigated without a warrant.
It’s not just the UK. Countries like the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia have their own versions of the UK's approach to monitoring communications.
4. Digital Recognition Technology
Number plate recognition technology is widely used across the globe, primarily to catch uninsured drivers and track criminal activities on the roads. However, in 2015, a former assistant chief constable in the UK voiced concerns that police forces might be misusing the software, sparking backlash among the public. Tony Porter even described the vast network of cameras used for plate recognition as “one of the largest data gatherers in the world!”
Many private companies also use facial recognition technology on their premises. This technology has been extensively employed by law enforcement agencies worldwide, serving a variety of purposes, from locating a specific person in a crowd to preventing voter fraud and combating terrorism.
3. Drones
In March 2016, despite claiming that the flights were entirely lawful, the U.S. government admitted to using drones to spy on American citizens for non-military purposes.
The details that were disclosed were limited, but it was revealed that most of these operations were related to search-and-rescue missions or efforts to track wildfires and floods. While these uses may seem reasonable and even logical, the revelation that the FBI had also used drones for surveillance in past investigations made many Americans uneasy. Analyst Jay Stanley pointed out that as technology evolves rapidly, it may be necessary to revise existing laws to address these advancements.
2. Voice Recognition Software
While still not widespread, voice recognition software is expected to be implemented in the coming years, with the ability to identify and store our voices. In 2012, a Russian company operating in the U.S. under the name SpeechPro created a system capable of handling millions of voices and matching a voice on a phone call to its database in just seconds.
This technology is already being used in Mexico, and the U.S. government has confirmed that it is in discussions with various agencies to deploy the software across the country. However, they also stated that they would not be providing further details about the rollout, citing data protection laws as the reason for the lack of comment.
1. Supermarket Loyalty Programs
Supermarkets track our purchases through customer loyalty programs, keeping an eye on what we buy and using that data to overwhelm us with a variety of offers and discounts. For those who shop online, these stores ensure that when you visit their websites, the products and promotions that align with your buying habits are prominently displayed at the top of the page.
What might be more surprising is how that collected data might be used once supermarkets are finished with it. For instance, in 2012, the UK government planned to share supermarket data to monitor shopping behaviors, using it to, they claimed, tackle obesity. People who were flagged for purchasing excessive amounts of unhealthy foods or alcohol would then be offered guidance on healthier lifestyles and eating habits.
