Law enforcement and intelligence agencies employ online surveillance tools to observe, record and analyze digital activity. They include software applications for online security and camera equipment that is connected to a server in order to store and manage data. Surveillance systems can be used to monitor the location of a person, identify their physical attributes and detect any suspicious behaviour. They can be used to identify possible theft and sabotage of sensitive information.
Governments must ensure that the development and acquisition of surveillance technology and their use and operation are governed by privacy and human rights principles. This includes ensuring the protection of autonomy of the individual and limiting the amount of data that is collected and stored. This includes establishing clear limits on the data collected, ensuring such technology is only used when necessary and adequate to meet legitimate goals in a specific context, and offering legal advice to those who are concerned about the use of surveillance technology.
While authorities may argue that these tools are essential to fight terrorist acts Human rights organizations argue the widespread use of these technologies could lead to abuse of discretion and power of police officers. Many US agencies have reportedly utilized surveillance software, like facial recognition and social media mining to screen citizens and tourists in public areas or to monitor activists and protesters.
BrickHouse Security offers a variety of counter surveillance devices to secure privacy and avoid unwanted monitoring. These range from portable detectors that can sweep an area for hidden cameras in just a few seconds to white noise masking devices that stop recording devices from picking up voices.