Law enforcement and intelligence agencies use surveillance tools that are online to track, record, and analyse digital activity. They include security software for online use and hardware cameras that connect to a server in order to store and manage information. Surveillance systems allow investigators locate a suspect’s place of residence, identify their physical characteristics, and recognize any suspicious behavior. They can be used to detect potential sabotage or theft of sensitive information.
Governments must ensure that the design and acquisition of surveillance technologies, as well as their use and operation are guided by human rights and privacy principles. This includes ensuring the protection of the autonomy of individuals and limiting the amount of data that is collected and stored. This means setting clear boundaries on the types of information collected, ensuring that such technology is only employed when it is necessary and proportionate to achieve legitimate objectives in a given context, and ensuring access to legal advice for individuals concerned about their use.
Human rights groups believe that the widespread use of these technologies could cause police officers to abuse their discretion and power. There are a number of US agencies have reportedly employed surveillance software, including facial recognition and social media mining to monitor people and travelers in public areas, or to monitor protesters and activists.
BrickHouse Security offers a variety of counter surveillance devices to ensure privacy and stop unwanted surveillance. They include portable detectors that can sweep an area in a matter of seconds to find hidden cameras, as well as white noise masking devices which block recording devices from picking up voices up.