Introduction:
In the modern world, there are many ways to keep tabs on people. Surveillance and monitoring are two such methods of keeping an eye on individuals or groups. Many people tend to use these terms interchangeably, but there are some critical differences between the two. In this article, we will discuss the differences between surveillance and monitoring.
**Surveillance:
Surveillance is the act of monitoring or observing people or places for specific purposes, such as security, safety, or crime prevention. Surveillance is usually done using modern technologies such as CCTV cameras, drones, and tracking devices. Surveilling someone is invasive and often done without their knowledge or consent. The primary focus of surveillance is to gather information about people secretly.
**Monitoring:
Monitoring, on the other hand, is the act of watching over something or someone to check for progress or development. Monitoring is done to ensure that the system or process works correctly or the individual or group is following the predetermined guidelines. Monitoring can be done on people, machines, and systems. Examples of monitoring include checking the vital signs of a patient or monitoring the traffic to ensure that the flow of traffic is smooth.
**The differences between surveillance and monitoring:
While surveillance and monitoring may seem similar, there are some fundamental differences between the two. The differences can be classified into several categories.
**Purpose:
The primary purpose of surveillance is to gather information about people secretly. This information is then used to make decisions or take actions on the person or group that is being surveilled. The purpose of monitoring, on the other hand, is to ensure that the system or process works correctly or that the individual or group is following the predetermined guidelines.
**Consent:
Surveillance is often done without the consent of the person or group being surveilled. The person or group being surveilled is usually unaware of the surveillance taking place. Monitoring, on the other hand, takes place with the knowledge and consent of the person or group being monitored.
**Invasiveness:
Surveillance is often invasive, and it can be done secretly. This makes it difficult for the person being surveilled to have any control over the situation. Monitoring is non-invasive and is done openly, making it easier for the person or group being monitored to participate in the process.
**Technology:
Surveillance is often done using modern technologies such as CCTV cameras, drones, and tracking devices. Monitoring, on the other hand, can be done using both modern and traditional methods, such as taking notes or using software to track progress.
**Legal framework:
Surveillance is often done within legal frameworks, such as obtaining warrants or following specific guidelines. Monitoring, on the other hand, is more informal and is often done without a specific legal framework.
**Conclusion:
In conclusion, surveillance and monitoring are two different ways of keeping tabs on people. While they may seem similar, there are distinct differences between the two. Surveillance is invasive and often done secretly, while monitoring is non-invasive and done openly. Surveilling someone is usually done without their knowledge or consent, while monitoring takes place with the knowledge and consent of the person or group being monitored. It is important to understand these differences, as they have significant implications for personal privacy and civil liberties.
