Big Brother There Art Thou

The deployment of always-on body cameras for police raises significant issues surrounding accountability and privacy. These cameras are intended to ensure that both law enforcement and citizens behave appropriately, with the expectation that constant recording will deter misconduct. However, despite the technology's promise, studies reveal that body cameras have not significantly reduced instances of police brutality or misconduct, largely due to the lack of accountability when abuses occur. The potential for abuse remains, including the capability for police to turn off their cameras. Concerns also arise about who controls the footage, such as corporations like Oracle, potentially creating barriers to public access and accountability. Additionally, the reality of constant surveillance compromises individual privacy rights, illustrating the complex intersection of technology, governance, and societal norms in the quest for transparency.