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Home » Glossary » Mass Surveillance

Mass Surveillance

Large-scale, systematic monitoring of people’s activities.

Explanation

Mass Surveillance refers to widespread, often automated monitoring of communications, movements, or behaviors by governments or corporations. Technologies include CCTV, internet monitoring, and data mining. While justified as crime prevention or counterterrorism, critics warn of privacy erosion, chilling effects on dissent, and targeting of marginalized groups.

Theoretical Reference

Surveillance Studies, Critical Criminology, State Power

Related Terms

  • CCTV
  • Predictive Policing
  • Privacy
  • Edward Snowden

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