Is surveillance necessary or a threat to democracy?

We live in a democratic country and are blessed to have a society based upon these values. Elections are being held every fourth year and are just and fair, and we know we can trust the judicial system. Yet there are more and more criminal actions and violence taken place both here in Sweden and else where in the world. Terrorism has shaken our world too many times now and has left us with a sense of insecurity and fear. Threats towards our democratic values are suddenly very near and clear. How are we going to protect ourselves and our society? One measure taken is to increase the surveillance of the citizens and their actions. We are being observed daily not only when walking outdoors in the streets or visiting shops, but also when doing our everyday chores such as checking our e-mail or paying with a credit card. Is this increasing surveillance really necessary, or is it in fact in itself a threat to democracy?

For me, this kind of surveillance is not a big issue. I have nothing to hide and I can’t see why anyone who is honest and has nothing to hide would object to being observed in this way. In some schools in the neighbourhood where I work, cameras have been installed in order to decrease the number of thefts and vandalism. I have not yet found out whether or not these measures have been successful, but in my opinion I believe that the society today needs to be surveyed for the people to feel safe and secure.

In my own school there have been quite a few incidents of thefts, jackets and bags have been stolen, and there have also been some incidents where pupils have been very mean towards each other. In cases like these it would have been very helpful to have recordings to watch. I also think that cameras might have a preventive effect, and every violent attack or theft avoided is a gain!

On the other hand, some people argue that cameras restrict one’s freedom and that they do not belong in a democratic country. They fear that the information might be misused and end up in the wrong hands, and of course that could be a disaster.

However, having a world and society like this with increasing criminal incidents, I feel that surveillance of the citizens is something we need to accept. It would be fantastic if there were no need for it, but unfortunately there is. But if all of us act according to our democratic values, maybe someday the surveillance will no longer be necessary…