The Response to Social Control and Anti Surveillance Groups

Activist groups that tackle surveillance systems respond to how governments and corporations use technology for social control. There are many groups around the world responding to the rise of surveillance systems. By challenging these systems, activist groups attempt to inform the general public about the overwhelming advances in technology that are used by governments and corporations to monitor people. Whenever violations to privacy rights occur, activist groups ranging from grass root collectives to international think tanks bring the issues to public attention. This paper uses three examples of activist groups to explore how surveillance systems are challenged in order to protect personal privacy. These groups will not be silenced nor will they comply with the rampant growth of surveillance technology. Through formal advocacy, collaborative public projects, and turning the power of the camera into the power of the individual, activist groups raise awareness to the implications inherent in surrendering to surveillance technologies.

Possibly the most influential international privacy advocacy group is the non-profit group Privacy International (PI). They have been in the forefront since 1987, when its founders established an international network in response to a magnitude of privacy violations across the world (Privacy International). They have the political and economic ability to respond to potential privacy threats at the highest levels. PI campaigns all over the world to protect people’s civil rights and personal privacy from governments and corporations. The members that joined together to build this giant organization were academics, lawyers, journalists and computer professionals that all had a common interest in promoting an international understanding of privacy and data protection (Privacy International).

PI works at national and international levels to provide advocacy, support, education, and to raise awareness about threats to personal privacy laws. They advocate for individuals, groups and societies as a whole. Since PI characterizes itself as a “chameleon, trouble maker, think tank, campaigner and researcher” (Privacy International), they range from conducting activities like launching controversial campaigns, engaging in highly acclaimed research,