STS "Surveillance and You" Civic Forum

March 31, 2007 at the University of Texas at AustinSponsored by the Science, Technology, & Society Program

Source text University of Texas

“Surveillance” is a commonly heard word in our society today. Everyone has some knowledge of the topic and typically a strong opinion be it positive or negative on the impacts of surveillance. A Civic Forum focused on the societal impacts of surveillance was held on the UT Austin campus on March 31; the event was attended by over 60 participants. Austin community members came to the Civic Forum to express their opinions and concerns, listen to the expert panel, and simply converse with fellow citizens about this important issue.

The STS “Surveillance and You” Civic Forum was an event designed to bring together stakeholders from several different societal groups including members of the general public, private sector, government and academia. Participants were mixed in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, occupation, and experience with knowledge level about the issue of surveillance. Everyone walked in the door with at the very least and opinion and this blend created an environment rich in dialog and information sharing from many perspectives.

Privacy vs. Surveillance

Upon arrival at the Civic Forum, attendees were reminded of the “costs” of privacy and the ubiquity of surveillance, through participation in a “Privacy Economy.” In exchange for $5 worth of “Anonymity Dollars” participants were given the option to give their digital fingerprint. Attendees were given a badge with an IP address instead of a name. For another Anonymity Dollar a participant had the option to purchase their true name or they could opt to stick with the IP Address. For a few more Anonymity Dollars they could purchase alias name badges such as “Harry Potter” or “Lois Lane” or a white mask to cover their face to fully protect their privacy at the Forum. The “Privacy Economy” brought into sharp focus the issues of surveillance, privacy, what we as individuals are willing to sell in order to be able to participate in our monitored environments, and the fact that maintaining privacy can be costly.

Presentations are available