Surveillance technology assessed for usability, cost, ethics and legality
Surveillance technology is used to fight crime and terrorism. Rational decisions require proper assessment of multiple factors, including the delivery of better security, financial cost, moral hazards and fundamental rights intrusion. The EU-funded project SURVEILLE (Surveillance: Ethical issues, legal limitations, and efficiency) developed a methodology for a multidisciplinary and multidimensional assessment of the merits and drawbacks of a whole range of surveillance technologies, as applied in different situations. The methodology can be applied in the form of a decision support system which includes a specific role for Privacy by Design. The project also conducted a survey of perceptions about surveillance among the general public. Costs and benefits were assessed as well as legal and ethical issues, and the results have been communicated to respective stakeholders for feedback. The project was successful in meeting all of its objectives. Via an annual forum as well as social media, the project has made a significant contribution to keeping decision-makers and the general public informed about surveillance technologies and the concerns that surround them. The dissemination of results was included in a final conference at a major European policy and media event in spring 2015. The project outcomes will remain useful for those assessing surveillance technologies, including courts or other oversight bodies tasked with ensuring that measures aimed at improving security also respect privacy and other fundamental rights.
Keywords
Surveillance technology, human rights, ethical standards, security, privacy