Introduction
Technology has always had a significant impact on the planet. Simple tools built by the earliest humans served as their starting point before evolving into more complex instruments that facilitated the lives of those who made them. Technology development accelerated in the middle of the 20th century (Ravid et al., 2019). People understood that computers were the future and would simplify life for everyone who utilized them. Computer enthusiasts, scientists, and engineers started searching for novel methods to program computers to perform jobs that humans would typically perform. Ultimately, this invention helped bring forth the Internet and wireless communication. Tablets, computers, and cell phones are products of ongoing technological development (Ravid et al., 2019). They are the pinnacle of communication and make it possible for individuals to always remain in touch with friends and family, which is impossible without technology.
Current Uses of Technology in Surveillance
Nowadays, technology is employed more and more to watch what individuals say and do (for example, through cell phone tracking and security cameras). The persons being watched are frequently unaware that they are being watched. The relevance of technology tools used to put citizens under surveillance is apparent. However, occasionally, individuals fail to notice these observations, such as when concealed cameras are installed for security.
On the computers of certain businesses, keylogger software records the characters that are typed on the corporate computers and regularly emails that information to managers. Some employees may use the business computer to check their email and bank accounts (West, 2021). The implanted software allowed a firm employee to access their passwords, which she then used to access her financial account and private communications. Companies can employ keylogger software on corporate equipment in a few jurisdictions. Employees risk exposing private information to managers if they mix work and personal activities on corporate equipment (West, 2021). Employees often have little expectation of privacy when using workplace tools on business property. The most unethical and frequently even criminal monitoring activity is spying on workers without their knowledge or consent. However, when employers wish to capture employees in the act of wrongdoing and have reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing, this method is accepted as legitimate.
On the other hand, there are occasions when hackers or foreign governments attempt to access people’s sensitive information to use blackmail to steal their money. Therefore, everyone runs the danger of having their personal information stolen and used for someone else’s financial advantage (Ravid et al., 2019). Moreover, people lose their right to free speech and expression due to these activities, making them more vulnerable to those unconstitutional authorities.
Contemporary advancements are advantageous for humanity because they guarantee the protection of people’s lives. The government may utilize these technologies to monitor every illegal behavior in the nation, including terrorism, human trafficking, drug dealing, and vandalism. When there is unlawful behavior, the authorities have access to the data and may find the offenders immediately (Onyeagbako & Adeyoju, 2021). In addition, authorities can readily locate a person who has been abducted or lost while forgetting their address, unlike older people. Since security has been tightened up and strengthened, individuals may enjoy their lives without worrying about their safety.
Conclusion
As monitoring technologies continue to advance, privacy views and expectations are rapidly changing. The question is whether our democratic society, which we have fought for many centuries to create and its principles and morality are in jeopardy because of these new monitoring technologies. After considering both points of view, society and the government should strike the correct balance between preserving the status quo and protecting citizens’ private lives from illegitimate authority. In this way, the country benefits much from such contemporary technology.
References
Onyeagbako, V., & Adeyoju, A. (2021). Revisiting data protection, privacy, and state surveillance.SSRN Electronic Journal. Web.
Ravid, D. M., Tomczak, D. L., White, J. C., & Behrend, T. S. (2019). EPM 20/20: A review, framework, and research agenda for electronic performance monitoring. Journal of Management, 46(1), 100–126. Web.
West, D. M. (2021). How employers use technology to surveil employees. Brookings; Brookings. Web.