Surveillance

/ səˈveɪ.ləns / terminology /

RE: CIVIL LIBERTIES, SECURITY, SOCIETY

Surveillance is the act of closely watching or monitoring people, places, or activities, usually for the purpose of gathering information. It can be carried out by governments, police, private companies, or even individuals, and often involves tools like CCTV cameras, phone tracking, online data collection, or undercover observation.

Surveillance is often justified as a way to keep people safe, prevent crime, or protect national security. But it also raises serious questions about privacy, freedom, and consent, especially when people don’t know they’re being watched. In a digital age where so much of life happens online, surveillance is no longer just about physical spaces - it’s also about data, algorithms, and who controls the information being collected.

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