Cyberspace and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Cyberspace and Society - Essay Example The latest figures indicate that 460,000 CCTV cameras were sold between 1996-1999 (Gadher, 1999). Clive Norris, a criminologist at Hull University stated "A million cameras could be a conservative estimate. On an average day in London, or any other big country in the United States, an individual is filmed by more thancameras from 30 different CCTV networks. The filming goes on throughout the day, and in some areas, such as the London Underground, it is constant" (Gadher, 1999). Local authorities run nearly CCTVs partly funded by Home Office grants. CCTV systems were initially installed in town centers to protect shops but, in the face of the fear of crime, spread to residential districts, schools and parks (Unsworth, 1999). In the United Kingdom cameras have not been found to deter crime (with cases of violence against shops on the rise by 44% between 1996-7) but they helped to secure conviction (Unsworth, 1999). Interestingly, it has been asserted that CCTV can be effective in reduc ing crime or the fear of crime, (Unsworth) and it is the perception of danger, not necessarily actual risk that may be significant. Cameras can be connected to computers with software capable of... In the United Kingdom cameras have not been found to deter crime (with cases of violence against shops on the rise by 44% between 1996-7) but they helped to secure conviction (Unsworth, 1999). Interestingly, it has been asserted that CCTV can be effective in reducing crime or the fear of crime, (Unsworth) and it is the perception of danger, not necessarily actual risk that may be significant. Cameras can be connected to computers with software capable of vehicle license plate recognition or face recognition. A computer-controlled surveillance system that automatically tracks police-designated target faces has gone into effect in East London. Software that can match people passing video cameras to facial images stored on a database has been developed and tested (Thomas, 1998). When the CCTV identifies a target face, the local police security team passes the information to police. The intent is to prevent mugging and shoplifting but civil liberties groups note that innocent people are bound to suffer, as mistakes inevitably will be made. There is a balance to be struck between crime prevention and our individual and collective freedoms. The use of this kind of technology strikes the wrong balance (Thomas, 1999). What is the purpose of data protection law Depending upon whose opinion is being voiced, data protection law can be variously heard described as a means of protecting an individual's fundamental right to privacy (Debussere, 2005), a mechanism for validating the commodification of data, a justification for overriding of privacy interests in the 'public interest' (Leith, 2002), or a disguised barrier to entrance to a nation's market for international competitors (Nijhawan, 2003: 492) to provide

Othello paper The heroism of othello Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Othello paper The heroism of othello - Essay Example These kinds of characters are plentiful in Shakespeare’s works, including the character of Othello. In this simple statement at the end of his life, he is pointing out for us what his tragic flaw was as well as the source of his heroism. It is in his love for Desdemona that his nobility shines through. The play opens with a mob of angry townspeople coming to do harm to Othello because they believe he has shamed the daughter of one of the merchants. Instead of running, as he is urged to do by Iago, Othello chooses to stand up to these people and make sure that the good name of his legally bound wife is defended. Rather than fighting with these people, he tells them, â€Å"Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them / Good signior, you shall more command with years / Than with your weapons† (I, i, 59-61). In this statement, his nobility shines through as he defends his wife’s honor, acknowledges the respect owed to his elders and refuses to cross swords with them. However, his power to love is flawed by his inability to judge which of his contemporaries he should trust with it. This is demonstrated first through his relationship with Cassio. Cassio is clearly Othello’s favorite officer as he promoted Cassio over Iago. While there may have been other qualifications involved in the decision, there also was reason for Iago to believe he should have been promoted over Cassio. However, when Othello finds Cassio brawling in the streets with gentlemen and drunk, he immediately doubts his own wisdom in placing his affections with this man. Though he still has affection for the man, â€Å"Cassio, I love thee; But never more be officer of mine† (II, ii, 239-240), he cannot respect him and his confidence in his own judgment is thrown into doubt. Cassio’s time with Desdemona further introduces doubt and suspicion into Othello’s