US EditionStudy Exposes Computer Vision's Role in Pervasive Surveillance
- On 25 June 2025, researchers published a Nature study revealing extensive links between computer vision research and surveillance technologies.
- The study analyzed over 40,000 documents spanning four decades and found ambiguous language that obscures the targeting of humans by referring to them as objects.
- The analysis covered 19,000 papers from 1990 to 2020 and 23,000 patents, showing a five-fold increase in surveillance-related patents citing computer vision papers in the 2010s.
- Dr. Birhane explained that although many believe only a limited segment of computer vision work causes harm, their research reveals that surveillance is widespread and deeply embedded throughout the field.
- The findings suggest that computer vision researchers could adopt critical approaches, including conscientious objection and public education, to address ethical concerns in surveillance technologies.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Despite numerous advantages, computer vision and its presence threaten fundamental rights such as privacy, freedom of expression and movement, the study indicates.
Analysis of 42,000 studies and patents shows that the development of machine vision is primarily aimed at tracking humans
Pervasive surveillance of people is being used to access, monetize, coerce and control, study suggests
New research has underlined the surprising extent to which pervasive surveillance of people and their habits is powered by computer vision research—and shone a spotlight on how vulnerable individuals and communities are ...
Pluralistic: Surveillance is inequality’s stabilizer (26 Jun 2025) – Pluralistic: Daily links from Cory Doctorow
Today's links Surveillance is inequality's stabilizer: Guard labor vs guillotine insurance. Hey look at this: Delights to delectate. Object permanence: 2010, 2015, 2020, 2024 Upcoming appearances: Where to find me. Recent appearances: Where I've been. Latest books: You keep readin' em, I'll keep writin' 'em. Upcoming books: Like I said, I'll keep writin' 'em. Colophon: All the rest. Surveillance is inequality's stabilizer (permalink) The "dicta…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
