Yesterday, the Metropolitan Police started using live facial recognition cameras (FCR) in London, following recent terror attacks and the steady rise of knife crime. The Met claims this is "70% effective in identifying criminals", making convictions more likely. While this sounds like success, the infringement on human liberties has many comparing it to a book written in 1948.

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George Orwell's “1984”, depicts totalitarian England where mass-surveillance is the norm. Orwell wrote it as a warning for future generations but it seems to have become a handbook for world leaders.

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In “1984”, Britain (Airstrip One), is ruled by Ingsoc's leader Big Brother. Ingsoc sees, controls and knows all. The use of FRC is the kind of restriction these citizens are subjected to everyday. Rebellion is impossible as cameras monitor everyone, everywhere.

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Recent studies by the British Security Industry Association shows that there are currently 4 to 5.9 million CCTV cameras in the UK. That’s excluding cameras on personal devices which can be tapped and monitored. 

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Technology can create safety, but what means safety to one person is an infringement of rights for another. Beatrix Hunt, Head of UK Security spoke to TTN about the big questions about surveillance you might have.

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