Smile: you are being filmed.
Whether in the grocery store or taking cash out of the ATM, chances are you're being video-recorded.
Not for posterity, mind you.
The footage will be erased and reused soon enough.
But if something happens, you'll be on film for all the world to see.
For many of us, this idea has disturbing overtones.
We often consider personal privacy to be among the most basic and essential freedoms.
George Orwell, author of 1984, famously depicted the potentially damaging consequences of a world overrun by video surveillance.
Big Brother is watching, all the time, waiting for you to deviate from the rule book.
If you make a mistake, he'll know right away.
It's a frightening image.
On the other hand, the presence of video surveillance in your local bank has a much more reassuring character to it.
As a deterrent, it is priceless.
We've seen the films -- mostly fictional departures -- in which bandits bypass or disable surveillance cameras, or just don't care about them.
That's what films are for.
In general, a good criminal likes to keep a low profile (for professional reasons) and will stop at nothing to protect his image.
Video cameras (along with impossible safes) will keep the majority of bank robbers in other exploits.
But are they good for us when it comes to home security? Let's look at some pros and cons of video surveillance: PROS: 1) Relatively little technology is needed.
You have a computer.
You will need some web-based cameras that are easy to install.
If you are truly technologically challenged, most friends or relatives should be able to help.
2) It's not very expensive.
Walking into any internet center or café, you will see how common they are in everyday use.
People often use them to add a personal touch to their internet dialogue.
3) Peace of mind.
Along with a good home alarm system, surveillance cameras allow you to monitor the progress of a suspicious character or unusual sound near your home.
When it comes to a domestic employee or construction crew, it will reassure you that you possessions are safe and sound, or that your child is getting proper care.
CONS: 1) Who is watching? Someone will need to be manning the fort, so to speak, if you wish to scare off or otherwise prevent a crime that is about to happen.
It does you very little good to discover what happened afterward.
The headache of insurance claims and other recuperations can take months, maybe longer.
Having a guard monitoring the screens can also be an unpleasant sensation, but in terms of home security it will be a necessary evil.
2) If your camera is web-based, you will need to be sure that a) your internet is working at all times and b) your computer has a well-oiled operating system.
3) As in the "Pros" section: peace of mind.
Everything will be more secure, perhaps, but at what sacrifice? Do you want to spy on your children or employees? If you don't trust them, should you have hired them? If you aren't comfortable with this scenario, maybe a good home alarm system is as far as you should go.
Whether in the grocery store or taking cash out of the ATM, chances are you're being video-recorded.
Not for posterity, mind you.
The footage will be erased and reused soon enough.
But if something happens, you'll be on film for all the world to see.
For many of us, this idea has disturbing overtones.
We often consider personal privacy to be among the most basic and essential freedoms.
George Orwell, author of 1984, famously depicted the potentially damaging consequences of a world overrun by video surveillance.
Big Brother is watching, all the time, waiting for you to deviate from the rule book.
If you make a mistake, he'll know right away.
It's a frightening image.
On the other hand, the presence of video surveillance in your local bank has a much more reassuring character to it.
As a deterrent, it is priceless.
We've seen the films -- mostly fictional departures -- in which bandits bypass or disable surveillance cameras, or just don't care about them.
That's what films are for.
In general, a good criminal likes to keep a low profile (for professional reasons) and will stop at nothing to protect his image.
Video cameras (along with impossible safes) will keep the majority of bank robbers in other exploits.
But are they good for us when it comes to home security? Let's look at some pros and cons of video surveillance: PROS: 1) Relatively little technology is needed.
You have a computer.
You will need some web-based cameras that are easy to install.
If you are truly technologically challenged, most friends or relatives should be able to help.
2) It's not very expensive.
Walking into any internet center or café, you will see how common they are in everyday use.
People often use them to add a personal touch to their internet dialogue.
3) Peace of mind.
Along with a good home alarm system, surveillance cameras allow you to monitor the progress of a suspicious character or unusual sound near your home.
When it comes to a domestic employee or construction crew, it will reassure you that you possessions are safe and sound, or that your child is getting proper care.
CONS: 1) Who is watching? Someone will need to be manning the fort, so to speak, if you wish to scare off or otherwise prevent a crime that is about to happen.
It does you very little good to discover what happened afterward.
The headache of insurance claims and other recuperations can take months, maybe longer.
Having a guard monitoring the screens can also be an unpleasant sensation, but in terms of home security it will be a necessary evil.
2) If your camera is web-based, you will need to be sure that a) your internet is working at all times and b) your computer has a well-oiled operating system.
3) As in the "Pros" section: peace of mind.
Everything will be more secure, perhaps, but at what sacrifice? Do you want to spy on your children or employees? If you don't trust them, should you have hired them? If you aren't comfortable with this scenario, maybe a good home alarm system is as far as you should go.
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