How can observation technologies contribute to more civil security?

Sensor systems for the detection of hazardous substances, drone-based photo cameras for the production of overview images in disaster areas, video cameras for the observation and recording of criminal offences or the collection of electronic communication data for the detection of criminal structures – observation technologies are used for many tasks in the field of civil security and new fields of application are constantly being added.

However, the use of observation technologies for civil security tasks is controversially discussed in public, science and politics, since their use can also be associated with undesirable effects for the persons observed and for the security actors who use the technologies in practice.

Against this background, the current state of knowledge about the scientific-technical basis, the security benefits and the unintended effects of the use of technology was compiled for all fields of application of observation technologies in the area of civil security in the present TAB report, and the regulatory framework and the societal effects of technologised observation were critically reflected. This knowledge formed the basis for deriving shaping options for actors in research and development, for legislators and for actors in civil security, with which a target-oriented and socially viable approach to observation technologies in the field of civil security can be promoted.

Key results are compiled on the project page and in the four-page TAB-Fokus Issue no. 28.

15.12.2022