The Ethics of Surveillance in Times of Emergency

The Ethics of Surveillance in Times of Emergency explores the ethical challenges of using modern surveillance technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how to respond to emergencies in ways that are consistent with democratic and community principles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Ethics of Surveillance in Times of Emergency delves into the examination of a range of issues and complexities confronting decision-makers and designers in times of crisis, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This book explores the ethical implications of employing modern surveillance technologies during emergencies, aiming to strike a balance between responding to emergencies in a manner that upholds democratic and community principles and is ethically justifiable.

Emergencies, such as public health pandemics, exert immense strain on existing infrastructure and communities, while also placing significant pressure on our decision-making processes. The utilization of surveillance technologies during such crises serves as a crucial lens through which to examine the challenges of acting in times of emergency. Moreover, this book serves as an exercise in reflective applied ethics, aiming to engage critically with, reflect upon, and develop theories and principles related to surveillance in times of emergency.

The authors of The Ethics of Surveillance in Times of Emergency acknowledge the inherent challenge posed by this inquiry. They question whether it is possible to respond to exceptional circumstances in ways that either preserve our core values or necessitate the subsumption of these values under the urgent need to address the specific emergency. To address this challenge, the book offers responses by examining three interconnected aspects: first, the democratic challenges; second, the ethical challenges; and third, the design challenges encountered in developing ethical solutions.

The democratic challenges involve assessing the impact of surveillance technologies on individual rights and freedoms, particularly in the context of emergencies. The authors explore the potential for surveillance to erode trust, undermine democratic processes, and exacerbate social divisions. They also consider the role of decision-makers and designers in ensuring that surveillance practices are transparent, accountable, and respectful of human rights.

The ethical challenges revolve around the moral dilemmas and ethical considerations that arise when deploying surveillance technologies in times of emergency. The authors examine the potential for surveillance to violate privacy rights, discriminate against certain groups, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. They also explore the ethical implications of using surveillance data for purposes other than responding to the emergency, such as law enforcement or political gain.

The design challenges involve developing ethical solutions that balance the need for surveillance with the protection of individual rights and freedoms. The authors discuss the importance of designing surveillance technologies that are minimally invasive, transparent, and accountable. They also explore the role of regulations and policies in shaping the use of surveillance technologies in times of emergency, as well as the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address the complex ethical challenges posed by surveillance.

In conclusion, The Ethics of Surveillance in Times of Emergency provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the ethical implications of surveillance in times of emergency. By examining the democratic, ethical, and design challenges facing decision-makers and designers, this book offers insights into the complex ethical considerations that arise when deploying surveillance technologies in times of crisis. It serves as a resource for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in exploring the ethical dimensions of surveillance in times of emergency.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192864918