London is the most spied-on city in the world. Numerous CCTV cameras have been placed across the city to help reduce the crime rates in the city. Cameras are placed on lampposts, buildings, train stations, and on main roads.
According to the estimation by the Big Brother Watch (BBW), there are approximately 51,000 cameras that are run by the police to help watch citizens in the capital. According to a civil rights group called Liberty, on average a Londoner is captured on camera about 300 times daily.
According to BBW, 20% of the world’s CCTV cameras are found in Britain. The numerous cameras help the police in solving crimes, managing traffic congestion, and even during accidents for the rescue teams. There have, however, been concerns as to whether these cameras have really helped in reducing crimes as evident by numerous crimes witnessed. BBW activists have been advocating for the governmental implementation of effective guidelines for the new code of conduct for the CCTV users.
It is critical to point out that many believe it is unethical to spy on someone’s private life. There is also claim that police and other agencies using these cameras have a tendency of using it for their private interest. City surveillance remains a complicated, controversial topic.
