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Technology vs ‘terrorism’: circuits of city surveillance since September 11th

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  • David Lyon

Abstract

Since September 11th 2001 ‘terrorism’ has understandably become the preoccupation of many, especially in urban areas, where the threat of ‘terrorism’ is greatest. High on the list of priorities is tightening up the technological means of ensuring security, by adopting in particular new surveillance measures. While these are mainly expansions of already existing systems — biometrics, ID cards, CCTV and communications interception — an interesting and perhaps disturbing new feature of these is the apparent willingness to create modes of integration between previously separate systems. Similar software and dependence on algorithmic techniques permit data‐sharing across several boundaries that were previously less porous. The dispersed data‐gathering of the surveillant assemblage, that includes relatively ‘innocent’ items such as consumer transaction trails —‘categorical seduction’— converges with the more centralized activities of policing and intelligence —‘categorical suspicion’— in the effort to make urban areas safe. The consequences of this are likely to be far‐reaching, reinforcing our reliance on technological solutions, and increasingly inserting them into the routines of everyday life in the city. Depuis le 11 septembre 2001, le ‘terrorisme’ est naturellement devenu la préoccupation de beaucoup, surtout dans les zones urbaines où la menace ‘terroriste’ est la plus forte. Aux premiers rangs des priorités, on trouve les moyens technologiques d'assurer la sécurité, notamment l'adoption de nouvelles mesures de surveillance. Si certaines consistent principalement àétendre les systèmes existants (biométrie, cartes d'identité, circuits de télévision et interception des communications), l'une des nouvelles méthodes, intéressante mais quelque peu troublante, est la volonté apparente de créer des modes d'intégration entre des systèmes jusqu'alors indépendants. Des logiciels similaires et une subordination à des techniques algorithmiques permettent le partage de données à travers plusieurs frontières auparavant moins perméables. La collecte de données éparses dans l'assemblage de surveillance, incluant des éléments relativement ‘innocents’ tels que le suivi des transactions de clients s'allie aux activités les plus centralisées de la police et du renseignement afin de sécuriser les zones urbaines. Les conséquences sont susceptibles d'aller plus loin, renforçant notre dépendance à l'égard de solutions technologiques et multipliant celles‐ci dans les routines de la vie quotidienne urbaine.

Suggested Citation

  • David Lyon, 2003. "Technology vs ‘terrorism’: circuits of city surveillance since September 11th," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(3), pages 666-678, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijurrs:v:27:y:2003:i:3:p:666-678
    DOI: 10.1111/1468-2427.00473
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    Cited by:

    1. Paul Routledge, 2010. "Introduction: Cities, Justice and Conflict," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 47(6), pages 1165-1177, May.

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