Panopticism is a term that symbolizes a form of repressive measures that are taken to discipline society in the form of surveillance. Panopticism forms part of the disciplinary mechanisms that the country may use as part of counterterrorism policies. Some of these disciplinary measures are in the form of technical devices using high powered surveillance cameras that can be found in public places such as airports. Panopticism in the airport aims to prevent future aircraft piracy and hijacks by using data analysis and intelligence gathering through surveillance devices.
One of the effects of 9/11 is the creation of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to prevent terrorism. The law was created in order to closely monitor commercial aviation and national security and prevent terroristic activities. With the strict implementation of the law, the high-powered detection devices will be able to trace explosives and firearms that may surreptitiously enter the airport. The suspected passengers who may be transporting explosives or weapons will be prevented from causing danger to the public.
However, Maras argued that the present social system is being manipulated by “panopticism” which has the tendency to violate individual rights (Maras, 2012). Some of the law enforcement agencies tend to abuse the data derived from the surveillance devices which may step beyond the boundaries of privacy rights. Although the act of the government in establishing counterterrorism policies is to promote national security, it must be balance civil liberties and implementation of security measures. By setting the balance means that the US government must not compromise the individual privacy rights with the strict implementation of the law. In fact, the installation of CCTV cameras as part of the surveillance measures can restrict and manipulate individual actions by controlling their daily routines.
Other form of surveillance that may violate individual rights is the disallowance of “Rapiscan” scanners or body scanners that can be found in U.S. airports. These machines were removed after the airport authorities received complaints for invasion of privacy of the travelers. These scanners were removed since the complainants cried foul after the machines produced naked images of the passengers while searching for weapons, plastic explosives and prohibited drugs. The passengers raised privacy issues since the scanners showed revealing body images.
There are some personal learning that can be derived from Thought Engine exercise such as the concept of discipline and punishment. The public is exposed to extreme threat and danger and there is a need for the government to take measures to thwart any act of terrorism. I learned that the concept of “panopticism” is important to instill discipline to the public and the environment. The extralegal considerations of law enforcement agencies must recognize due process, equal protection of the law, and individual privacy rights. Some experts believe that surveillance is a measure that curtails the right to self-autonomy and violation of privacy rights and freedom of choice.
I also learned that the right to privacy of the people should be recognized and any confidential information taken from them should be protected. Hence, the anti-terrorism policies enacted by the government should be able to map-out the boundaries of privacy rights. In effect, the surveillance measures must not compromise the welfare of the public by upholding their guaranteed rights. The security measures must not bring fear, anxiety and anxiousness to the public by invading their personal liberties based on race, gender and social standing.
References:
Maras, M. H. (2012). Counterterrorism. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
