The rise of technological advancement is rampant in our generation. One of the prevalent technologies is the use of Closed-circuit television or CCTV cameras. They serve many purposes including crime prevention, traffic monitoring, or observing industrial operations in environments not suitable for us.
Depending on whom you ask, the increased prevalence and capabilities of CCTV surveillance could make society safer and more efficient, could trample on our rights to privacy and freedom of movement, or both. No matter which side you argue, the fact is that live video surveillance is ramping up worldwide.
Comparitech researchers conducted a study on the use of CCTVs and came up with the list of top 50 most-surveilled cities around the world. Eight out of the top 10 cities were found in China! Chonqing, China (number 1 most surveilled city) has 168.03 cameras per 1,000 people.
What’s the use of installing so many CCTVs? Probably for public safety. However, the study showed that there is little correlation between the number of public CCTV cameras and crime rate or safety.
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