Are we more in a democracy with the rise of citizen journalism? For many politicians, the public is a rising concern. Different publics are harder to reach, and some have a great responsive power. For example, the latest government decision to implement lockouts in Sydney's CBD generated an important come back. The government tried to use a traditional technique of implementing a law mainly directed at the youth. How is it working out? As shown in ABC's documentary "Dead Drunk: Lights Out in the Cross?" the youth is unimpressed with the government's decision. If the crime rate has gone down, it is only proportional to the number of people in the streets of the Cross. The increase of police around the area, if not the CBD as a whole, emphasises a system of direct surveillance of the civilians. To get to the problem in a more effective way, the Australian government should update its version to Government 2.0 and reach the young audience with a language they speak. Solutions could include using social media, being more transparent about the issues, and educating younger generations on the problems occurring in KingsCross. Wouldn't restricting people to where they can go and at what time be considered an invasion of privacy?
Looking at issues of government's invasion of privacy and over baring laws can be a debate seen in multiple ways. Like we have seen this week in Better Rejkjavik's video, people can be divided between wanting their complete freedom, absolute transparency from the government and no surveillance. How interesting is it though that we would want to know all about our government, the decisions made and all about our political leaders, but wouldn't want them to know anything about us? How can we find a middle ground?
Some would say that putting cameras in the streets is an invasion of privacy, others would feel more secure and comfortable. Are we better being watched but not knowing about it? This is how it has been for quite a while. Current issues of privacy and government surveillance could see their origin due to:
1- The government hasn't been as good at hiding their surveillance cameras.
2- Citizens now have more resources to see the cameras.
3- The government wants to put too many cameras and some of them aren't discrete enough.
4- Citizens want to put cameras back on the government.
Will these issues ever see a resolution?
