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While surveillance technology, such as GPS and motion sensors, is increasingly used in dementia care to heighten safety, it also poses new risks and ethical concerns. This paper explores the development of ethical practices around technology and presents a case study of infrastructuring the ethical use of surveillance technology in dementia care. Our ethnographic fieldwork at a Danish nursing home identified surveillance practices based on continuous tinkering and distributed negotiations to manage risks. However, new legislation and subsequent increased use of surveillance technology challenged care workers’ tinkering, resulting in both false, redundant, and failing alarms. The misleading alarms potentially jeopardise the safety of residents and result in a breakdown of the ethical commitment of care workers to care for residents. Drawing on the notion of infrastructuring, we demonstrate how new ethical surveillance practices were developed through a codesign process. The codesign process creates an organisational framework and space for reflection, which supports care workers in creative tinkering and safe implementation of large-scale strategies in a local context. Through our case, we argue for the need to more broadly address the infrastructuring of ethics and suggest that codesign lends itself as a promising approach to this endeavour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated people’s ethical concerns of surveillance technology. By adopting the spectrum of technological utopian and dystopian narratives, how people perceive a society constructed through the compulsory use of surveillance technology was explored. This study empirically examined the anonymous online expression of attitudes toward the society-wide, compulsory adoption of a contact tracing app that affected almost every aspect of all people’s everyday lives at a societal level. By applying the structural topic modeling approach to analyze comments on four Hong Kong anonymous discussion forums, topics concerning the technological utopian, dystopian, and pragmatic views on the surveillance app were discovered. The findings showed that people with a technological utopian view on this app believed that the implementation of compulsory app use can facilitate social good and maintain social order. In contrast, individuals who had a technological dystopian view expressed privacy concerns and distrust of this surveillance technology. Techno-pragmatists took a balanced approach and evaluated its implementation practically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is often assumed that working at home represents a fundamental transformation in the way managers work. But is managerial homeworking that new? To answer this question, we draw on labour process theory and three empirical studies to place post-pandemic homeworking in historical sociological perspective. Overall, we find that homeworking is not a novel phenomenon, but has been driven by various logics. Explaining these, we contend initially that recent studies of managers working at home have focused on the mandated temporal present of the practice under Covid-19, which has resulted in homeworking being portrayed idiosyncratically. In contrast, and to attain a more comprehensive understanding of what homeworking means for managers, we argue that it is necessary also to understand both the underappreciated past of the phenomenon as well as options for its projected future. A comparative – past, present, future – inquiry therefore portrays how a range of explicit (e.g. corporate restructuring, digital technology, government legislation) and implicit (e.g. responsible autonomy, cultural resistance, work–life balance) factors have influenced and affected the practice of managers working at home in recent times. Through content analysis, these factors are related to broader forces of strategic change, technological innovation and political regulation in describing the 'contested terrain' of modern managerial work. Amid a context of economic neoliberalism, work extensification and shifting spatio-temporal (home/work) boundaries, the paradoxical nature of homeworking – symptomatic of managers' contemporary 'struggle for a normal working day' – is documented through a series of interview-based narrative investigations (conducted in 2002–2006, 2015–2019 and 2020–2021). Ultimately, the paper makes a case not only for greater historical retrospection, but also for deeper critical reflection, in studies of managerial homeworking, and notably when considering whether the practice will likely be extended, ended or otherwise in the coming decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevention of crime is a multifaceted challenge with legal, political, and cultural implications. Surveillance technologies play a crucial role in assisting law enforcement and other relevant parties in this mission. Drones, cameras, and wiretaps are examples of such devices. As their use increases, it becomes essential to address related challenges involving various stakeholders and consider cultural, political, and legal aspects. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of surveillance technologies and identify commonalities and differences in perspectives among social media users and researchers. Data extraction was performed from two platforms: Scopus (for academic research papers) and platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The dataset included 88,989 tweets and 4,874 research papers. Topic modeling, an unsupervised machine learning approach, was applied to analyze the content. The research results revealed that privacy received little attention across the datasets, indicating its relatively low prominence. The military applications and their usage have been documented in academic research articles as well as tweets. Based on the empirical evidence, it seems that contemporary surveillance technology may be accurately described as possessing a bi-directional nature, including both sousveillance and surveillance, which aligns with Deleuzian ideas on the Panopticon. The study’s findings also indicate that there was a greater level of interest in actual applications of surveillance technologies as opposed to more abstract concepts like ethics and privacy.

The rise in theft incidents within institutional spaces has prompted the need for innovative security solutions. In response to this challenge, our research focuses on the development and implementation of a comprehensive theft prevention system through object and pose detection technologies. We employ cutting-edge techniques and models to safeguard institutional property and create a secure environment. For object detection, we leverage the powerful "Segment Anything" model, which enables us to identify and track objects within the institutional space. This model provides us with a robust foundation for monitoring and safeguarding valuable items. In our pursuit of advanced object detection and classification, we explore the capabilities of multiple machine learning models, including Ridge, Logistic, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting. These models enhance our ability to accurately classify objects and further strengthen our theft prevention strategies. Additionally, we utilize the state-of-the-art Media pipe Holistic model for real-time pose detection, enabling us to identify human poses and behaviors within the institutional space. This valuable insight adds an extra layer of security by recognizing suspicious activities and potential threats. Our research encompasses a holistic approach to security, integrating object and pose detection to ensure the highest level of theft prevention. By combining these technologies, we aim to significantly reduce theft incidents and enhance security within institutional spaces. As we continue to advance our research, we anticipate future challenges and complexities related to the integration of these technologies. This research sets the stage for ongoing exploration and innovation in the realm of institutional security, ultimately contributing to safer and more secure environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Robust and widely implementable ‘One Health’ surveillance systems are required to detect and control the spread of zoonotic infectious diseases. Using technological tools coupled with a rapid field response and rapid diagnostics can help in the surveillance of deadly diseases such as rabies, even in densely populated urban areas. Here, we describe the use of an animal rescue system (Hawk Data Pro) that was adapted as a passive surveillance tool for rabies in a large metropolis in India. We used a Webline and helpline that reported injured or sick animals to an animal rescue facility to determine possible rabies cases in street animals in Pune city in western India. Suspected rabid animals were tested using lateral flow assays and this information was used to direct awareness materials on rabies as well as in conducting mass dog vaccinations in areas that reported multiple cases. Over a ~4-year period, we received over 90,700 calls or reports, of which 1162 calls were for suspected rabies cases in dogs, and 6 for other animals (cats, goats and cattle). Of these, 749 dogs and 4 other animals tested positive for rabies. Most of the cases were reported from the densely human-populated central Pune region. In response, ~21,000 people were provided with educational materials on post-bite management, and ~23,000 dogs were vaccinated. We show that the adoption of the Hawk Data Pro system as a passive surveillance tool allowed us to document an ongoing outbreak of rabies in a large metropolis in India. Such systems can be modified or adapted to other areas as well to meet the surveillance and reporting requirements of the WHO’s Zeroby30 strategy to eliminate rabies globally. One Health impact statement India is a priority country for the action plan for rabies elimination by 2030. Yet, systematic surveillance for rabies in the primary reservoir remains weak. Here, we showcase a collaboration with an animal welfare organization and adaptation of their bespoke animal rescue system for passive surveillance of rabies in dogs and other animals in Pune city in western India. This method allowed us to improve the detection of potentially rabid animals, rapidly ensure post-exposure prophylaxis and provide awareness materials for exposed human victims. To the best of our knowledge, this collaboration between scientists and civil society organizations resulted in the detection of the largest number of rabies cases reported in an urban area anywhere in the world. The use of this system highlights the scope of the problem in urban India and also provides practical guidance on how to improve surveillance using basic technological tools.

This article focuses on the transfer of surveillance technology that is used to commit human rights violations and questions the international responsibility of the technology-exporting State, that is the State where the seller is based and that authorises the transfer. After having clarified that the technology-exporting State cannot be considered the principal wrongdoer for the human rights abuses committed in the receiving State, it investigates whether its international responsibility for end-use human rights abuses could be determined out of complicity or if due diligence may serve the same purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As facial recognition systems (FRS) become widely available, a growing number of local governing bodies across the country have adopted these technologies. Without regulating how and when these technologies are used, the adoption of FRS by municipal governments has the potential to violate civil liberties and disproportionately harm marginalized groups. FRS may be an invaluable tool for law enforcement; however, best practices must be adopted to curb their misuse, specifically at the municipal level. We propose that cities considering procurement of FRS create an independent privacy advisory commission with a clear mandate, guaranteed cooperation from local government, technology expertise, and community stakeholder input.

As biometric technology relies on bodily, physical information, it is among the more intrusive technologies in the contemporary consumer market. Consumer products containing biometric technology are becoming more popular and normalized, yet little is known about public perceptions concerning its privacy implications, especially from the perspective of human agency. This study examines how people perceive biometric technologies in different societal contexts and via different agents in control. Our study revealed that, in large part, people's perceptions of biometric technology are context-dependent, based on who retrieves and who benefits from the information and the situation where the data are collected. Participants were much more comfortable with more intrusive biometric technology in airport security than in a grocery store, and if it was employed to improve their health. We conclude by considering the implications of the survey for new threats to personal privacy that arise out of emerging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has developed into a twenty-first-century surveillance state with unprecedented abilities to censor speech and infringe upon basic human rights. The effects of China's digital authoritarianism reach well beyond its national borders. The Chinese government has begun exporting its high-tech surveillance blueprint, and the censorship and surveillance technologies on which it is based, to authoritarian-leaning governments in Africa. This blueprint is suffused with the potential for developing surveillance societies in China's image, particularly in African countries with poor human rights records, where democratic institutions are either weak or still in their infancy. This may yield even greater repression, rather than liberalisation, in Africa. The consequences for human rights on the African continent are likely to be dire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevention of crime is a multifaceted challenge with legal, political, and cultural implications. Surveillance technologies play a crucial role in assisting law enforcement and other relevant parties in this mission. Drones, cameras, and wiretaps are examples of such devices. As their use increases, it becomes essential to address related challenges involving various stakeholders and consider cultural, political, and legal aspects. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of surveillance technologies and identify commonalities and differences in perspectives among social media users and researchers. Data extraction was performed from two platforms: Scopus (for academic research papers) and platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The dataset included 88,989 tweets and 4,874 research papers. Topic modeling, an unsupervised machine learning approach, was applied to analyze the content. The research results revealed that privacy received little attention across the datasets, indicating its relatively low prominence. The military applications and their usage have been documented in academic research articles as well as tweets. Based on the empirical evidence, it seems that contemporary surveillance technology may be accurately described as possessing a bi-directional nature, including both sousveillance and surveillance, which aligns with Deleuzian ideas on the Panopticon. The study's findings also indicate that there was a greater level of interest in actual applications of surveillance technologies as opposed to more abstract concepts like ethics and privacy., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Karlsson and Dalipi.)

This study analyzes how South Korea was able to effectively control the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic from a critical perspective. It departs from cultural or regime-type arguments and instead pays attention to the political and institutional conditions under which the South Korean government was able to implement extensive testing, identify the infected, and quarantine them immediately. The study advances that infrastructural capacity and democratic accountability are necessary to preemptively and efficaciously respond to the pandemic. Yet, it also cautions against idealizing the Korean case without addressing critical questions about deeply penetrating surveillance-technology infrastructures and labor-market disparities that have worsened under the pandemic. Highlighting a multifaceted and complicated picture of the politics of the coronavirus in South Korea, the study aims to deepen understanding of the relationship between the political-institutional dynamics and the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the US, UK, France, Italy, and many other countries ended up implementing complete lockdown after tens of thousands of deaths from COVID-19, South Korea kept factories and offices running, flattened the curve, and maintained a low mortality rate. Extensive media coverage has focused on South Korea's testing capacity as the primary reason, but there has been little discussion of the vital role of the smart city. In this paper, we describe how smart city technologies form a crucial part of disease control in South Korea, explain the social conditions for the extensive use of smart city technology, and offer critical insights into contemporary discussions on the issue of smart cities and surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• Perception of surveillance technologies. • Impact on perception after terror strikes. • Largest change in desire for transparency. • No trade-off between privacy and security. Over the last two decades, several large terror attacks have led to increased discussion of the use of different surveillance technologies. The use of novel technologies for pre-emptive security and surveillance has been discussed and criticized academically, but few studies have addressed the public. Studies that target the public tend to assume an oversimplified trade-off between privacy and security, i.e. how much privacy a person is willing to yield to attain greater security. We used three large surveys of random samples from the Swedish population to study public attitudes to a number of surveillance technologies. The last survey took place shortly after a terror attack in Stockholm, and an aim was to see how this affected acceptance. The main differences between 2009 and 2017 were that the demand for transparency (i.e. public scrutiny) had increased dramatically, and that the notion of risk posed by the new technologies had diminished. Beyond this, changes in attitudes were small. Technologies were perceived as contributing to making society safer – albeit not decisively. Also, acceptance was not only influenced by what data was collected, but also by who was collecting and owning it. In public discussions about security, two things are often assumed: that an increase of hard security measures will increase societal security, and that citizens are willing to do a trade-off between privacy and security. We find that this is not the case. Instead, citizens weigh the pros and cons of surveillance and also distinguish between different forms of surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Circle invites an ever closer look at the ethos of current and emerging surveillance technology. Dave Eggers' novel foreshadowed the culminating moments in 2018, when high-powered social media platforms generated a maelstrom of controversy in the US and UK and then nothing changed. Concern over the integrity of electoral processes around the globe has risen to new heights, as privacy experts warn that unfettered growth of surveillance capitalism could change democracy forever. Far from a case of unintended consequences run amok, corporate tech executives admit that continual mining of personal data for unrestricted use by corporations and political operatives that specialise in psychological manipulation were part of the original design. The dark side of all this connectivity as highlighted by the ruckus over Cambridge Analytica places mainstream news producers squarely under the microscope. This article examines the wilderness between the goal of reporting in the public's interest and the current role of news organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recounts the history of the Open Skies treaty, and considers the possibility it will be signed at the March meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in Helsinki. General increase in stability and trust; Aerial inspection's record of accomplishments; The Sinai as a major proving ground for aerial inspection; Use of overflights by the UN Special Commission in Iraq; Aerial inspections by UN aircraft in Yemen, Cyprus, Lebanon; Details of Open Skies.

Background: Embedding communication and surveillance technology into the home health care setting has demonstrated the capacity for increased data efficiency, assumptions of convenience, and smart solutions to pressing problems such as caregiver shortages amid a rise in the aging population. The race to develop and implement these technologies within home care and public health nursing often leaves several ethical questions needing to be answered., Objective: The aim of this study was to understand the ethical and care implications of implementing digital communication and surveillance technologies in the home setting as perceived by health caregivers practicing in the region of Halland in Sweden with clients receiving home care services., Methods: A questionnaire was completed by 1260 home health caregivers and the written responses were evaluated by qualitative inductive content analysis. The researchers reviewed data independently and consensus was used to determine themes., Results: This study identified three main themes that illustrate ethical issues and unintended effects as perceived by caregivers of introducing digital communication and surveillance technologies in the home: (1) digital dependence vulnerability, (2) moral distress, and (3) interruptions to caregiving. This study highlights the consequences of technology developers and health systems leaders unintentionally ignoring the perspectives of caregivers who practice the intuitive artistry of providing care to other humans., Conclusions: Beyond the obtrusiveness of devices and impersonal data collection designed to emphasize health care system priorities, this study discovered a multifaceted shadow side of unintended consequences that arise from misalignment between system priorities and caregiver expertise, resulting in ethical issues. To develop communication and surveillance technologies that meet the needs of all stakeholders, it is important to involve caregivers who work with clients in the development process of new health care technology to improve both the quality of life of clients and the services offered by caregivers., (©Hans-Peter de Ruiter, David Clisbee, Rebecca Houston, Ingela Skärsäter. Originally published in JMIR Human Factors (https://humanfactors.jmir.org), 03.11.2023.)

I propose a somewhat new approach to examine the characteristic epistemological concerns that can be witnessed in Detective fiction. An approach that takes into account a constituent of the said model and was not dealt with in depth previously: the inevitable technological mediatedness between the Subjects taking part in the interpretative process that defines the subject