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Letters | Huawei cameras in Serbia only add to fears about Chinese mass surveillance
Reports last week that hundreds of surveillance cameras have been installed in Serbia sparked discussions and debates globally. Mass surveillance is becoming increasingly controversial, especially with reference to China’s social credit system. I believe mass surveillance contradicts personal freedoms.
According to your report, 1,000 Huawei-made cameras will eventually be installed in hundreds of locations around Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. These cameras will be assisted by artificial intelligence and supported by facial recognition technology. Thanks to the widespread network of these cameras in Belgrade, every simple act by citizens would be under the eyes of the Serbian government.
It is a basic human right to perform legal acts without being recorded or tracked. Governments should not have the power to monitor everyone at all times. This reminds me of George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, with its world of mass surveillance, and the freedom of speech and action eventually destroyed.
In China, Big Brother is watching you sort your trash
In China, Big Brother is watching you sort your trash
Serbian authorities claim the Huawei system helps to slash crime rates but this is not a healthy solution, as it gives rise to grave privacy concerns. Moreover, people are worried that their private information could be accessed by the Chinese government for other uses. To tackle high crime rates, the government could consider other measures, such as stiffer penalties for greater deterrence. Provoking citizens with mass surveillance is not a wise choice.
Max Leung, Ngau Chi Wan
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