Whilst reading a most interesting essay on freedom of speech I came across a very provocative notion. It’s almost an aside in the essay but well worth a few moments thought.
In 1998 David Brin made some predictions in The Transparent Society. His crystal ball was less than perfect but he foresaw a time when society would be under much greater scrutiny, and that is certainly the case. He envisaged two future cities.
In the first there were cameras were on every vantage point. Only the authorities could access them. Crime fell, but the city’s inhabitants knew that the police could monitor and record their behaviour and opinions.
The second city also had cameras on every vantage point but all citizens could access them (it could now be an app for our mobile phone). A woman walking home could check that no one was lurking behind a corner. A man late for a date could check if his girlfriend was still waiting for him. When the police arrest a suspect they do so with meticulous attention to his rights because they know that unknown eyes might be monitoring them.
The invasion of privacy is roughly equal, but in one society the knowledge gained is at the service of the state whilst in the more transparent case the playing field is more nearly level.
I imagine Stalin would prefer the first city, the second, though, would be a stalker’s paradise.
bobmcgee 