The surveillance system, which is now prominently dubbed “Sky Net,” has been in constant improvement since 2012. (Photo : Reuters)
By 2020, China's key public areas such as roads will be monitored by video surveillance in order to combat crime, violent unrest and terrorism. The camera-gathered information will be shared with authorities.
This development plan will go hand-in-hand with other measures formulated to prevent, stop and punish attacks by extremists. A new anti-terrorism law will allow the government broader surveillance powers. Tips about violent plots will also be financially rewarded and a national database of ID information and credit records will be established.
The knife, bomb and terror attacks by unstable citizens and violent separatists killed hundreds of Chinese citizens in 2014.
The move to build such a network is intended toward national security, social stability, improved traffic conditions and public safety. Local governments will be tested with the constant maintenance of the multi-tier surveillance systems.
The use of large networks of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) has been a controversial topic abroad, with research on its effectiveness still being conducted. Some of the largest networks can be found in the United Kingdom, Chicago and New York.
Overseas, the CCTV networks have been found to greatly decrease car theft and automotive break-ins, but not to reduce crime rates. Antisocial activity may be pushed toward other parts of a country unmonitored by video surveillance.
Facial and object recognition technology is proving to be valuable for law enforcement, allowing authorities to track movement of a person or vehicle through a city.
However, when it comes to solving a mystery, constant recording generates what can be an overwhelming amount of footage to scan through. Perpetrators of terror attacks can be identified with this method, after days to even weeks.
Privacy and the possible abuse of this technology has been a growing concern in cities monitored by CCTV cameras, but this should not pose a problem if those in charge of the footage stay honest and accountable.
