Introduction to surveillance studies

Surveillance is a divisive issue. Used by private industry, law enforcement, and for national security, it can be a potent tool for protecting resources and assets. It can also be extremely invasive, calling into question our basic rights to freedom and privacy. "Introduction to Surveillance Studies" explores technological trends, past- and present-day rationales for surveillance and surveillance devices, and current social issues surrounding them. The book begins with a brief historical perspective on the evolution of surveillance technologies, then charts the development of modern-day devices from the invention of radar to the dawn of the Internet. Next it describes emerging technologies that are challenging notions of privacy and the right of access to information. While focusing on the technology, the book also discusses surveillance as a phenomenon and what these technologies mean to our understanding of freedom, privacy, and the impact of technology on communications and the structure of society. Enhanced with numerous photos, the book presents the pros and cons of these increasingly sophisticated technologies, their collective impact, and what the future may hold. -- From publisher's description.

Brief history -- Optical surveillance -- Aerial surveillance -- Audio surveillance -- Radio-wave surveillance -- GPS surveillance -- Sensors -- Computers and Internet surveillance -- Data cards -- Biochemical surveillance -- Animal surveillance -- Biometrics -- Genetics -- Prevalence of surveillance -- Effectiveness of surveillance -- Constitutional freedoms -- Legislations.