Law police and intelligence agencies make use of online surveillance tools to track, record, and analyze digital activity. These include software programs for online security as well as hardware cameras that are connected to a server to store and manage information. Surveillance systems can help investigators locate a suspect’s whereabouts, pinpoint their physical characteristics, and detect any suspicious behavior. They can also be used to identify potential threats to the security of data.
Governments must ensure that the creation and purchase of surveillance technologies and their use and operation are guided by human rights and privacy principles. This includes safeguarding the autonomy of individuals and limiting the storage and collection of data. This means setting clear boundaries on the types of information being collected, and ensuring that this technology is only utilized only when it is essential and appropriate to meet legitimate goals in a particular context, and ensuring access to legal advice for those concerned about their use.
Human rights groups believe that the widespread use of these technologies can result in police officers abusing their discretion and power. Several US agencies have reportedly employed surveillance software, like facial recognition and social media mining to monitor people and travelers in public areas or to monitor activists and protesters.
BrickHouse Security carries many different counter surveillance tools that are designed to protect one’s privacy and avoid unwanted surveillance. These include portable detectors which can sweep an area in just a few seconds for hidden cameras, as well as white noise masking devices which stop recording devices from picking up voices up.