Who watches the watchers? Why surveillance technology needs stronger oversight, not less
By Brian Joondeph | Commentary, American Thinker
Trust is important. Verification is essential.
More than 2,000 years ago, the Roman poet Juvenal posed a timeless question: Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? — “Who will guard the guards themselves?” or “Who watches the watchers?”
The Romans could never have imagined artificial intelligence, facial recognition, or nationwide networks of automated license-plate readers. Yet their question may be even more relevant today than it was three millennia ago.
Recent debate over Flock Safety cameras illustrates why.
The cameras have become an invaluable law enforcement tool. A stolen vehicle that crosses several jurisdictions can now be identified in minutes rather than days. An abducted child can sometimes be located be...
