I tend to poo-poo most worries about the erosion of privacy. I certainly don't care much about private databases such as credit agencies keeping track of me. And I really like it when I call Delta Airlines and they already know what flights I want because I'm looking at them on their website at the same time.

When it comes to government invasions of privacy I naturally get a bit more concerned. But even here modern technology seems to be more useful in helping us keep tabs on them (remember Rodney King) than in helping them watch us. When it comes to video surveilance in public places, I tend to think that if it would be ok for a cop to stand there and watch us, then it should be ok for a video camera to stand there and watch us. Similarly if a cop could issue a ticket, why not a camera?

Still, this kind of stuff just creeps me out. I suppose I'll get used to it though.

On a related note, when I was in South Africa, they have these video cameras all over. They send out tons of automated tickets for speeding and red-light violations. But hardly anybody pays them apparently! One worry I have is that these video camera gizmos may erode our respect for the rule of law even more.

[Thanks to Dave for the pointer!]