Crime Prevention Talk 'CCTV Monitoring' Privacy Invasion Concerns Remain

Roles in Crime Prevention, Child Protection, Vehicle Number Recognition, and Crime Resolution

Monitoring Personnel Under Constant Surveillance... Need to Find Protection Methods

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] CCTVs installed throughout the region play a crucial role in solving various crimes. It is no exaggeration to say that the number one contributor to tracking the 'Wando family disappearance' case, which shook the nation last year, was CCTV.

In the Gwangju area, the CCTV network is so dense that it is said there are no blind spots.

According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 26th, as of the end of last year, there are about 9,000 CCTVs installed throughout the region. They serve roles such as crime prevention, child protection, and vehicle license plate recognition, and are known to be highly effective in preventing crimes.

A scene of monitoring CCTV installed inside the building from the management office.

If you add up the CCTVs installed on streets along with those in public institutions, private companies, and buildings, the number increases astronomically.

They play a significant role in solving various incidents and accidents in cooperation with the police, fire departments, and others, and are especially known for their preventive function, leading to steady installation requests.

While these 'eyes on the street' have many positive functions, concerns remain. Although the statistics are from over ten years ago, it is said that one person is captured by CCTV about 90 times a day and once every 9 seconds while moving. The related industry explains that currently, people are likely being recorded more frequently and extensively.

As a result, citizens unanimously agree that ways to protect privacy must also be found.

Mr. Lee (55) said, "Recently, I entered a building and saw CCTVs installed everywhere, and I thought that my every movement, whenever and wherever I go, would be recorded." He added, "With today's advanced technology, CCTV video quality must be good, and the thought that someone monitoring is watching my every move made me feel uneasy."

Such concerns from citizens are commonly found even in apartment complexes. Apartment management offices can install CCTVs for management purposes, and security guards are granted access rights to monitor them.

The Personal Information Protection Commission often receives complaints expressing concerns that "security guards monitoring numerous CCTVs within apartment complexes may infringe on privacy."

The Commission has judged that this cannot be considered a privacy violation, but residents' worries have not been alleviated.

A city official stated, "Not only CCTVs installed on roads but also those in buildings such as companies and government offices are prohibited from being disclosed if they pose privacy issues," adding, "Regarding privacy infringement through monitoring, it seems necessary to consider not only institutional methods but also practical solutions."