I was just reading on CityNews and CTV how the TTC (the Toronto public transit system) is installing 12,000 security cameras on their vehicles and in their stations.
I live in the downtown core of Toronto, which means that between the police cameras already in place, the new TTC cameras, and the security cameras at work, I’m now under video surveillance the majority of my day. From the moment I hit Spadina Ave. around 9:45 in the morning, I could theoretically be watched until I walk past Spadina Ave. again on my way home.
I understand the public’s outrage over the Jane Creba shooting which (admit it) is the reason everyone is cool with these cameras going in, but where is the line between the public good and our privacy rights? Who is monitoring them? I understand their argument that the videos will only be handed over to the police if they request them, but someone has to install the system, monitor the system, etc. and these are all people who have the ability to watch anyone. Are we confident they will not be used to profile people (racially or otherwise)? I don’t believe that not one person is going to zoom-in on a pretty woman, or watch how long someone takes a lunch. Are we sure that there isn’t a software security hole in the system that could leak all the video feeds and images to a hacker with a bit of time?
I’m not a conspiracy nut by-any-means, and I’m not really worried that the cameras will ever cause me any trouble, but the ability for this system to be so easy abused makes me nervous. I urge everyone to think about the implications for personal freedoms if surveillance systems like this one continue to be installed in your city.
UPDATE 10/24/2007: Look how they are manufacturing consent in the media: “Video surveillance of the first attack was crucial to helping police nab the suspect, as someone recognized the individual and called them” (source). Nice, nice. Let’s all embrace our surveillance overlords 
In your Spadina-as-edge scenario you’re forgetting about all the private store security cameras you likely pass walking down King or Queen. Chances are you’re on camera in one form or another most of the time you’re downtown (even if it is just that creepy guy in the condo across the street with his telepho… nevermind).
Yah, true. But somehow, it doesn’t worry me until they are all networked together into a massive system put in place by the lowest bidder
For example, they couldn’t track me walking to work from one separate security camera to the next. But if the police cameras (or the TTC cameras) are all connected into one system, they can watch me the whole way. Hurrah!
From the news today, another example of why people want the cameras: “Victim Gunned Down Outside Jail Was Charged During Jane Creba Shooting”
Look how they are manufacturing consent in the media: “Video surveillance of the first attack was crucial to helping police nab the suspect, as someone recognized the individual and called them” (source). Nice, nice. Let’s all embrace our surveillance overlords
I don’t have any expectation of privacy when I’m out in public. I would care if they had cameras aimed at my apartment window, but out in the street? Don’t care.
You are right, Guinevere: we should not expect privacy when on the street. But if you are not a criminal, an exhibitionist, a pickpocket, a streaker or dunno what, you should not be afraid of cameras watching you. Even if there are unknown people in front of those monitors.
They can’t see you in such a detail as your fellow pedestrians can.
And, Jonathan: if your wallet was recovered and returned to you because a security camera capturing the incident, you would surely change your mind and endorse the “surveillance society” that our beloved Toronto neighbourhoods seem to be turning into.