Surveillance Studies: An Overview

Rapid surveillance expansion in the past couple of decades has prompted the emergence of an academic field, “Surveillance Studies,” for which this book offers a succinct statement. Intended as a multi-disciplinary text suitable for a broad readership, it introduces new work being done around the world and suggests some constructive ways forward. It also makes a distinctive contribution by insisting for instance on the ambiguities of surveillance and on the need to go beyond “privacy” in considering modes of critique and resistance. The challenge to all is to consider how “those processing personal data do so responsibly, fairly and accountably.” Complete with a guide to further reading, an extensive book list and a glossary of essential terms, the book is also aware of its own involvement in surveillance – hinted at in the ironic title.