The use of CCTV (close circuit television) cameras in streets, stations, shops and other public places has increased rapidly in recent years. Although we are told that these cameras help in the fight against crime, some people are opposed to their use. They believe that everyone has a right to privacy. (serve more as an invasion of our privacy than as a protection of our safety). To what extent do you agree or disagree? - Ielts Essay

The use of CCTV (close circuit television) cameras in streets, stations, shops and other public places has increased rapidly in recent years. Although we are told that these cameras help in the fight against crime, some people are opposed to their use. They believe that everyone has a right to privacy. (serve more as an invasion of our privacy than as a protection of our safety). To what extent do you agree or disagree?  

Ielts Essay - CCTV

Increasing concern for public safety has forced authorities and law enforcement agencies to take a range of drastic steps, like installing CCTVs to ensure better security management of various locations open to public access, like shops, libraries, stations, shops and other public spaces. These measures have fetched both accolades and brickbats from various sections of society.

Close circuit television has come in a great respite; as installing these modern gadgets has helped in better monitoring of sensitive public domains prone to criminal incidents. Law enforcement agencies find it easy to apprehend perpetrators of illegal activities – on the basis of the clues made available by these hi-tech instruments; and also make preemptive efforts in curtailing such happenings – by creating a fear among anti-social elements of being caught red-handed during such acts – capable of jeopardizing public safety, for example, recent surveys suggest that several cases of theft and eve teasing have been either prevented or busted due to these machines.

Moreover, this modern introduction has instilled a sense of security among the common people, especially people dealing in valuable commodities, like gold; and those good that are prone to pilferage and theft. They are able to keep a close watch on the visitors to their shops and locations; and are able to react fast and call for police assistance.

However, CCTV concept has some serious flaws and common people find themselves cornered, for they feel being monitored all the time; and consider is as an encroachment of their fundamental rights. Several instances of misuse have also been cited, where causal female shoppers were covertly filmed inside the trying rooms.

To sum up, privacy of individual though important, but can never outweigh public safety, so CCTV is critical in today’s perspective. Squabbles apart, use of these gadgets is thus  imperative, so all objections should be ignored.