Surveillance : Ethical Issues, Legal Limitations and Efficiency

SURVEILLE systematically reviews the impacts of different surveillance systems, and also helps manufacturers and end-users better to develop and deploy these systems. It is a multidisciplinary project combining law, ethics, sociology and technology analysis in a small number of highly collaborative, cross-cutting work packages.

SURVEILLE assesses surveillance technology for its actual effectiveness in fighting crime and terrorism, for its social and economic costs, and will survey perceptions of surveillance in the general public and certain identified target groups. The investigation of societal and ethical aspects will focus on undesired side effects of surveillance systems.

SURVEILLE addresses legal limitations on the use of surveillance technologies as well as ethical constraints. SURVEILLE includes analysis of the potential of 'privacy by design' and privacy-enhancing technologies in the context of surveillance systems. It will interact with technology developers and manufacturers through a systematically delivered advisory service.

The issues raised in the advisory service will in turn inform emphases in research deliverables.

Twitter: @SURVEILLE_EUI