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Video surveillance cameras are everywhere. What would it be like to be Tom Cruise’s character in Minority Report, walking through a public space unable to avoid video surveillance cameras that know who you are? Kinda creepy, huh? This technology is on the verge of widespread implementation around the world. Tommy got an eye transplant in the movie, which solved the problem. Unfortunately, modern facial recognition software relies on several reference points so changing just a few traits, like two baby blues, is usually not enough. I like to have fun. Sometimes that means doing something thrilling like skydiving or bungee jumping, and sometimes that means innocently and harmlessly being a trouble maker. So, in that spirit, lets make some trouble.
Although public video surveillance cameras are found all over the place, especially in large cities and particularly in the UK, they are keeping an eye on you to make sure you don’t do anything you aren’t supposed to. Their impact for good is minimal but their potential for misuse is great. What is even more frustrating is the fact that the watchers are trying to keep the watch-ees from watching back. So here are a few of the weaknesses that public video surveillance camera systems currently have.
Red Light and Speed Enforcement Video Surveillance Cameras
Red light cameras and speed enforcement cameras are a big part of the problem. These cash machines are not intended to, and do not increase safety. In many cases they are not properly calibrated or there is a malfunction in the unit capturing innocent people in the crosshairs. In order to avoid being captured improperly, people can first avoid the cameras altogether by knowing what streets and highways to avoid. In the US, photoenforced.com has a great list of these camera systems throughout the country.
If there is a need to frequent these areas, the red light and speed camera systems have difficulty establishing proof of guilt if the drivers face is obscured while near the intersection. Each state and even each judge will have slightly different requirements for conviction, but some simple examples are putting the sun visor down low while in an intersection or wearing a sombrero pulled down low while driving. Some have even driven a car configured for driving in the UK (driver sits where a passenger normally sits in the US) so there will be nobody in the drivers side of the car for the picture. There are some other weaknesses and thoughts at highwayrobbery.net, but be sure to consult an attorney about your unique circumstance before relying on any of them as advice.
Video Surveillance Cameras
There is a really fun feature in NYC called isee which allows individuals to map out the path of least surveillance when walking in NYC. I am surprised that this has not spread more quickly to include more areas. If you can’t map out ahead of time to avoid the cameras, a laser pointer aimed directly at the lens of a camera has been shown to obscure the image of many surveillance cameras. This does no damage to the camera. Infra red LED lights can also be used to obscure the image of some video surveillance cameras when aimed at the lens and don’t emit any visible light that can be seen by other passersby.
Low Tech, High Effect To Avoid Video Surveillance Cameras
Like using a low tech hawala system, possibly the most practical and easiest way to avoid being identified on video surveillance cameras is to wear a hooded sweatshirt or coat with your face buried deep inside the hood. Also, most cameras are mounted several feet overhead so looking down helps obscure identity. This is easier done in Minneapolis than in Miami but I’m sure appropriate modifications can be made to blend in with the fashions of warmer climates. Even celebrities use this simple method to do their best to avoid “unwanted” attention.
Conclusion
These are just fun observations of the weaknesses of constant public video surveillance. It takes little effort to avoid most video surveillance camera scrutiny. No eyeball transplant necessary.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Instead of an eyeball transplant, he should have just used colored contacts.
Have you considered the possibility that your advice might be used by criminals to avoid recognition by the authorities?
A lot of people ask me that question, so i think it is a legitimate concern. In my law practice I see a lot of documentation of police investigations of criminals and their method of operation. Scumbags are already using the legal tools and techniques that we discuss to avoid capture and to prey on innocent people who do not have good privacy practices. They are also using a lot of illegal tools and techniques.
Discussing those legal tools and techniques on this site does not give them access to information they could not otherwise find. In fact, we are arming the defenseless so that they can protect themselves from criminals, corporations and ill advised policies which make this world more dangerous without that knowledge.
Like any kind of knowledge, it is not good or evil in and of itself. It can only be used for good or evil at the discretion of the person who has the knowledge. The information on this site can be used for tremendous good to protect you, your family, and your friends from all kinds of physical, financial, mental, and emotional harm. Plus, it’s a lot of fun too.
Hahaha fair enough