The Rise of Surveillance Tech: A Critical Look for Journalists and Communities
A new report, “Selling Safety,” released by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) in collaboration with the Center for Just Journalism (CJJ) and IPVM, shines a light on the often-misleading marketing tactics employed by companies selling surveillance technology to law enforcement. The report provides crucial guidance for journalists aiming to report accurately on the costs, benefits, privacy implications and accountability surrounding these increasingly prevalent tools.
The Marketing Illusion: How “Silver Bullets” Are Sold
Police technology is frequently presented as a quick fix – a way to modernize departments and enhance safety. However, the “Selling Safety” report reveals a sprawling industry that prioritizes the appearance of effectiveness over actual, measurable results. This creates a dangerous cycle where tax dollars are spent on tools with questionable value, potentially eroding privacy and civil liberties.
Matthew Guariglia, EFF Senior Policy Analyst, emphasizes the core issue: “The industry that provides technology to law enforcement is one of the most unregulated, unexamined, and consequential in the United States.” He points out that decisions about policing are often driven by multi-billion-dollar surveillance tech companies motivated by profit, rather than public safety officials.
What Journalists Need to Know
The report equips journalists with the tools to dissect the claims made by surveillance technology vendors. It highlights how marketing language is often recycled into media coverage without critical examination. Key areas of focus for journalists include:
- Understanding Incentives: Recognizing the profit motive driving technology sales.
- Asking Better Questions: Challenging vendors to provide concrete evidence of effectiveness.
- Finding Local Accountability Stories: Investigating the impact of surveillance technology on specific communities.
Hannah Riley Fernandez, CJJ’s Director of Programming, notes the urgency of this perform: “Surveillance and other police technologies are spreading faster than public understanding or oversight, leaving journalists to do critical accountability work in real time.”
Beyond the Press Release: The Importance of Independent Verification
Conor Healy, IPVM’s Director of Government Research, underscores the need for journalists to move beyond simply publishing law enforcement press releases. He states, “Marketing is not a substitute for evidence. Journalists who go beyond press releases to critically examine vendor claims will often locate solutions are not as magical as they may seem.”
Resources for Deeper Investigation
The EFF offers several resources to aid in understanding and mapping surveillance technologies:
- Street-Level Surveillance hub: Provides information on various police technologies.
- Atlas of Surveillance: Maps surveillance technologies in communities across the United States.
Future Trends in Surveillance Technology and Oversight
The current landscape suggests several emerging trends:
- Increased Automation: Expect further development of automated systems for tasks like facial recognition and predictive policing, raising concerns about algorithmic bias and due process.
- Expansion of Data Collection: The scope of data collected by law enforcement will likely broaden, encompassing social media activity, location data, and other personal information.
- Growing Demand for Transparency: Public awareness of surveillance practices is increasing, leading to greater demands for transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies.
- Community-Led Oversight: More communities are taking steps to protect themselves from mass surveillance, such as pushing back against automated license plate readers (ALPRs).
FAQ: Surveillance Technology and Your Rights
- What is ALPR? Automated License Plate Readers are tools of mass surveillance that can track vehicle movements and potentially target individuals.
- What does the EFF do? The Electronic Frontier Foundation promotes Internet civil liberties and provides legal support for digital rights.
- Where can I find more information about police surveillance? The EFF’s Street-Level Surveillance hub (https://sls.eff.org/) and Atlas of Surveillance (https://www.atlasofsurveillance.org/) are excellent resources.
Pro Tip: When evaluating claims about surveillance technology, always ask for independent, peer-reviewed studies demonstrating its effectiveness and consider the potential impact on privacy and civil liberties.
Stay informed and engaged. Explore the resources provided by the EFF, CJJ, and IPVM to become a more informed advocate for responsible surveillance practices in your community.
