The Use of losed Circuit Television - Research Paper Example

Ethical dilemma created by the use of CCTV. The emergence and development of computers has technologically leadto an evolution of networks. The networks have facilitated the exchange of information but at the same time, have come along with many challenges. The Information Communication Technology (ICT) involves the use of social media (Internet and Television), telecommunications, payrolls and Closed Circuit Television among others. Computers are used to keep records of workers, making and keeping records of payments, communication and security reasons in monitoring an enterprise by the use of CCTVs1. This in turn has lead to job displacements in huge numbers. The use of information communication technology requires less deployment of man power which in turn has forced some companies to reduce their workforce, while others giving their employees more roles than required with fewer benefits which lead to increased work pressure. In a business environment, security is a serious issue of consideration as a result of increased cases of theft and related vices. In effort to curbing the challenge of insecurity, surveillance cameras developed with proper databases are installed to monitor and survey the environment and activities through this technology. In many nations, Closed Camera Televisions are commonly used in crimes department to deal with crime cases. Besides having high security benefits, introduction of CCTV has nevertheless resulted to infringement of privacy and freedoms of various individuals within the area under surveillance. This is because privacy is an important aspect and a fundamental human right. The dilemma in this case here is that, the introduction of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) has enhanced security and the expense of individuals’ freedom and privacy. Consequently, the installation of CCTV in public places has deteriorated human privacy and freedom. Utilitarianism perspective Reviewing J.S. Mill’s perspective of utilitarianism, the importance of the introduction and use of CCTV is judged by its effects2. The numerous positive consequences that have come along with the introduction of CCTV in the society, it is well seen that CCTV has highly assisted in curbing crimes hence many private companies view the use of CCTV surveillance as a good idea judged by the fact of its practical benefits. As a result, it is arguable that CCTV is helping should remain in place for its benefits. Secondly, comparing the issue of high security to deteriorated privacy, CCTV’s advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The challenge is whether CCTV should remain in position putting into consideration privacy as a human’s fundamental right. As mentioned above that CCTV has more benefits, the number of CCTVs should therefore be increased to cover a larger area3. Many people who like pleasure does not support the use of CCTV. This is because these surveillance cameras are mostly fixed in public places to monitor and survey the area under coverage. Though this is intended on capturing both pictures and sounds or videos, cameras keep on recording continuously either a criminal act or pleasure act. The consequences of CCTV should be subject to its installation. CCTV has been fixed the consideration of its consequences. For instance, the major consequence of CCTV is surveying and recording a number of activities within which the surveillance cameras are fixed. This will help curb theft cases in a given institution, minimizing crime cases in public places, testifying crime cases and more possible helping in detection and identification of the cause of the happening. The information captured by the CCTV includes both helpful and unhelpful scenes depending on the desired purpose of the surveillance camera4. The above consequences altogether should be therefore considered before installing a CCTV. Deontology perspective In relation to this dilemma, Immanuel Kant argues that we should act positively, a way others will copy and act5. In his argument, he challenges the every morality of a certain action. The challenges he poses is whether the action adheres to set rules. Thus, this perspective challenges CCTV on aspects where morality is out of context. As such, the debate over CCTV is widely focused on questions of effectiveness and morality. If surely everybody can choose to treat each other fairly, then there will exist no debate over the CCTV. Citizens being aware of these surveillance cameras will always avoid immorality as they are monitored everywhere and whatever they perform. Any institution being a governmental or non-governmental should make it public whenever it wants to install a CCTV in order to avoid unplanned debate and questions from the public. The challenge experienced in this case is the acceptance of the public on installation of the Closed Circuit Television. John Rawls: Theory of justice In relation to this dilemma, John Rawls’ Social Contract Theory gives us the reason as to why we should treat and handle others with respect6. The challenge in this case is on security versus justice. Many people never handle others well and with care. If only fairness and justice among citizen can be observed, then there will emerge no debate on the issues of Closed Circuit Television installation. The acceptance by the public again will not be achieved due to injustice among the people. Though no one will ever want his or her secrets spread privacy disclosed, the truth is that in order to fight crime, the CCTVs in cooperated with other effective means must be installed. Looking at the issue of one’s freedom and liberty, there is no single public will accept and support Closed Circuit Television installation but one should actually conduct him or herself in a crime free mode to everybody7. If only everybody can accept to be equal to each other, then cases of insecurity will be minimal as many will support CCTV. This is at one point a challenge on security versus equality because in reality many will not accept to be equal their sons as John Rawls argues about inequality. How to solve the dilemma The major dilemma being on Security versus Privacy issues, institutions focusing on using CCTV for security purpose should let the public know about it prior to its installation after considering its consequences. As this paper has discussed above that acceptance to installation of the Closed Circuit Television surveillance cameras by the public can not be arrived at, the issue should then be critically handled. People working with private business organizations should be alerted of any plan to install the CCTV surveillance cameras. This will greatly contribute to the economic growth of the business as every employee will be ever careful and cases of theft and related vices like corruption will be minimal due to the fear of being known8. Secondly, people should be educated on the importance of CCTV surveillance. Surveillance cameras have actually helped in reduction of immorality. Citizens being aware of these surveillance cameras will always avoid immorality as they are monitored everywhere and whatever they perform. The education will make them aware that they are monitored hence will avoid immorality. On private business sectors, any institution being a governmental or non-governmental should make it public whenever it wants to install a CCTV in order to avoid unplanned debate and questions from the public9. The main debate is on the security versus privacy issues. A series of questions will then follow; will privacy be achieved without security? Which is more important between privacy and security? Can any citizen enjoy freedom without Security? To answer the above questions, security is the more important than privacy. Therefore, any given citizen will have freedom when security is first tightened. Privacy will also be achieved in environs with good security. One technological and modern method of ensuring security is by use of Closed Circuit Television Surveillance Cameras which monitor and record a series of events in scenes. The importance of CCTV needs to be defined in order to avoid these debates. In conclusion, the Closed Circuit Television surveillance cameras have greatly aided in crime investigations. This has in turn lead to minimized theft and crime rates in Canada and furthermore, the economic growth in business sectors. The debate over CCTV is widely focused on questions of effectiveness. The installation and the use of CCVT surveillance cameras have really been associated with many challenges mainly being the acceptance of its installation by the public. The reasons behind this refusal are immorality, love for pleasure, crime, theft and related vices, need for privacy and inequality. Solutions to these challenges should also be initiated in order to make a crime free and peaceful manageable nation, that is, the king dilemma being on security versus privacy issues, curbing this will mean acceptance of equality among citizens and reduction of immorality and crimes. Besides its undesirable consequences to the public, closed circuit television has numerous benefits both to the good citizens and to the business owners. Any institution being a governmental or non-governmental should make it public whenever it wants to install a CCTV in order to avoid unplanned debate and questions from the public. All the above indicates that the public should be educated on the importance of Closed Circuit Television on security. Bibliography Dubbeld, Lynsey. Observing bodies. Camera Surveillance and the significance of the body. Ethics and Information Technology, 2003. 5; 151-162. Lippert-Rasmussen, Kasper. Deontology, Responsibility, and Equality (Copenhagen: Institut for Medier, Erkendelse og Formidling, Afdeling for Filosofi, Pædagogik og Retorik, University of Copenhagen, 2005). Rawls, John. A Theory of Justice. (Cambridge, Mass: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2009) Tittle, Peg. Ethical issues in business: inquiries, cases, and readings (Peterborough, Ont: Broadview Press, 2000). Read More