Pandemic Surveillance

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a massive expansion of surveillance technologies, allowing governments and corporations to monitor and surveil the spread of the virus. This book explores the benefits and disadvantages of these methods, their legal status, and their implications for privacy protection, ethics of care, and data justice. It raises questions about whether this new culture of surveillance will become a permanent feature of post-pandemic societies and the potential negative effects on social inequalities and human freedoms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant disruptions to our daily lives. Lockdowns, self-isolation, and quarantine have become commonplace, as governments and corporations implement measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus. This has led to the widespread adoption of pandemic surveillance technologies, such as contact-tracing apps, facial recognition, and population tracking. This phenomenon can be seen as a pandemic of surveillance, where governments and corporations have unprecedented access to personal data.

In his book, "Pandemic Surveillance," David Lyon explores the development of these methods in various countries worldwide. He examines the benefits and drawbacks of pandemic surveillance, its legal status, and its implications for privacy protection, ethics of care, and data justice. Lyon raises important questions about whether this new culture of surveillance will become a permanent feature of post-pandemic societies and the potential negative effects it could have on social inequalities and human freedoms.

The book highlights the magnitude of the COVID-19-related surveillance expansion, emphasizing the need for new policies to regulate surveillance and ensure data justice. Lyon calls for a balanced approach that respects individual rights and privacy while also prioritizing public health and safety. He suggests that policymakers should prioritize transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the development and implementation of surveillance policies.

Furthermore, Lyon emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in pandemic surveillance. He argues that surveillance should be used only for legitimate purposes and with proper oversight to prevent abuse and misuse of personal data. He also suggests that surveillance technologies should be designed with privacy protection in mind and that individuals should have the right to control their data and to access it in a transparent and accessible manner.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant expansion of surveillance technologies. While these measures have been necessary to control the spread of the virus, they raise important ethical and legal concerns. David Lyon's book "Pandemic Surveillance" provides valuable insights into the development of these methods and their implications for privacy protection, ethics of care, and data justice. It underscores the urgent need for new policies that balance the need for surveillance with the rights and freedoms of individuals. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, we can ensure that pandemic surveillance is used in a responsible and ethical manner.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 218 x 144 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509550302