MASS SURVEILLANCE Meaning and
Definition
-
Mass surveillance is a term used to describe the extensive monitoring and collection of data on a large scale, involving the systematic gathering of personal information, communications, and activities of a population or specific groups of people. It typically refers to the surveillance conducted by governments or other entities that aim to gather vast amounts of information to monitor and analyze the behavior and activities of individuals or groups.
This type of surveillance often involves advanced technological means, such as surveillance cameras, facial recognition systems, phone tapping, email interception, and internet monitoring. The objective of mass surveillance is to obtain comprehensive insights into the lives, habits, and networks of individuals, allowing authorities to detect and prevent potential threats or criminal activities in society.
However, mass surveillance has raised concerns over privacy and civil liberties, leading to debates around the balance between security and individual freedoms. Critics argue that mass surveillance infringes upon citizens' right to privacy, allows for potential abuse of power, and can have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and expression. Proponents argue that these measures are necessary for national security and public safety, as they enable authorities to identify and prevent potential threats before they materialize.
Overall, mass surveillance refers to the widespread and systematic collection of personal data and information for the purpose of monitoring and analyzing the activities of individuals or groups, often in the name of security.
Etymology of MASS SURVEILLANCE
The word "mass surveillance" has a relatively straightforward etymology.
"Mass" comes from the Latin word "massa", which means "a lump" or "a shapeless heap". It eventually developed into Middle English as "masse", referring to a large quantity or aggregation of something. Over time, it has taken on a broader meaning, often indicating a large-scale or collective nature.
"Surveillance" has its roots in French. It comes from the combination of two words; "sur" means "over" or "above", and "veillance" derives from "veiller", which means "to watch" or "to be vigilant". So, "surveillance" essentially means "to watch over" or "to keep a close watch on".
