Online surveillance tools are used by police and intelligence agencies to record, monitor and analyze digital activity. These include online security software and cameras that connect to a server in order to store and manage information. Surveillance systems help investigators locate a suspect’s place of residence, identify their physical characteristics, and recognize any suspicious behavior. They can be used to detect potential hacking and theft of sensitive data.
Governments must ensure that the design, procurement and operation of surveillance technologies is informed by respect for privacy and human rights principles, including protection of bodily autonomy, avoiding undue interference with personal freedoms, and minimizing the collection and retention of information. This means establishing clear limits on the information collected and ensuring that the technology is only utilized when it is proportionate in order to achieve legitimate goals in a specific context, and providing legal advice to individuals who are concerned about the use of surveillance technology.
Human rights groups believe that the widespread usage of these technologies may lead police officers to abuse their discretion and power. US agencies have used surveillance software like facial recognition or social media mining to monitor tourists, citizens, and protesters in public places.
BrickHouse Security offers a variety of counter surveillance devices to protect privacy and prevent unwanted surveillance. They include portable detectors that can sweep a space within a matter of seconds for hidden cameras, and white noise masking devices that stop recording devices from picking voices up.