Revolutions and Revolts

Surveillance is defined as a systematic response to influencing, managing, or controlling the flow of [Page 863]information. It is, therefore, a systematic collection of private data. Surveillance encompasses paying close and continuous attention to another person. In addition, the enterprise is not to pay attention to an anonymous person but to a specific individual or group and for specific reasons.

Surveillance includes not only observation but also recording—for example, bugging a telephone conversation or writing down when individuals gather. Surveillance affects privacy, which is defined as a space where citizens feel their personal area will not be invaded or infringed. Society values privacy, as it affords people the opportunity to create relationships. Privacy fashions trust such that citizens believe that as a result of their interactions ...