Government surveillance is trouble.

People say to me, “Waldo, you’re a Democrat — how can you oppose red-light cameras? Aren’t you opposed to running red lights?” And I say to them, “it’s trouble; this whole system of government surveillance and automated justice, it’s leading us nowhere good.” And they act like I’m all paranoid.

I submit to you Exhibit A:

Arlington County…has found a new task for its surveillance camera: Starting in March it plans to use the BootFinder to nab people who are on the county’s rolls for just about anything, from late park and recreation fees to overdue library books.

It’s trouble; this whole system of government surveillance and automated justice, it’s leading us nowhere good.

Published by Waldo Jaquith

Waldo Jaquith (JAKE-with) is an open government technologist who lives near Char­lottes­­ville, VA, USA. more »