Are CCTV cameras invading our privacy?

In previous post I told you about what are CCTV cameras and why are they important. Today I am going to talk about the burning question, that is. "Are CCTV cameras an invasion of privacy"?

Source: Google images

Technology is not good or bad in itself; it is the use of technology that makes it good or bad. As technology is rapidly increasing, it is also increasing the concern of the people that whether technology is facilitating us, making our lives better and easy or is it making us lethargic, vulnerable to potential harms and invading our privacy. CCTV cameras are not good or bad in itself; it is their use which makes it good or bad. But generally people think that CCTV cameras are an invasion of privacy. This is a perception and perception changes from people to people because different people perceive things differently. It works both ways. There are some benefits as well as drawbacks.

One of the major benefits is that it provides home security. Like monitoring your children, being able to see who's at your door before opening it and monitoring the surroundings of your house. Not only homes, CCTV cameras also protect your businesses. Businesses take full advantage of having CCTV cameras. It makes you able to monitor acts of theft, violence or other crimes. Observing hazardous incidents and accident locations can result in dispatching emergency employees in a timely manner. Another very serious and important area where CCTV cameras are useful is the government buildings and establishments. It helps prevent internal fraud and theft. Talking about drawbacks, one of them is the discriminatory targeting of individuals and criminal abuse, as in the case of blackmailing. Security camera footage can also provide the wrong person access to potentially embarrassing images.

Source: Google images

An online organization referred to as the Professional Voice of Law Enforcement reported on the Advanced Surveillance and Protection (ASAP) program. They stated, "High-definition video surveillance cameras are being put into use increasingly throughout the United States. Mounted top buildings or light poles throughout designated public areas..."