User:Berna Bereit Project That May or May Not Be Made
These proposals originally were developed in this pad, but not all of them made it to the wiki page: https://pad.xpub.nl/p/bernadette-geiger-t3-methods
Explore other May or May Not Be Made Projects here: RapidPrototypeandProject that May
Proposal I: Anti-Surveillance (M)App
What is it?
The Anti-Surveillance (m)App is a smartphone application designed to raise awareness about surveillance technologies and empower users to navigate urban spaces with a heightened sense of privacy. By overlaying augmented reality elements onto the real-world environment, the app provides users with insights into the extent of surveillance infrastructure around them. Through visual and interactive features, it helps users practising anti-surveillance strategies for navigating urban environments without being constantly monitored.
The Anti-Surveillance (m)App empower individuals to reclaim their privacy in public spaces. #piracyforprivacy
Why make it?
In light of the proliferation of surveillance cameras in urban areas, evidenced by the Dutch police database "Camera in Beeld," which records over 314,000 registered cameras [1], there is a pressing need for tools to empower individuals in the face of increased surveillance. The sheer volume of cameras, ranging from those operated by businesses to government installations, underscores the pervasiveness of surveillance in public spaces. The Anti-Surveillance (m)App seeks to address this issue by providing users with real-time information about camera locations and suggesting alternative routes to avoid heavy monitored areas. By fostering a sense of agency and control over one's privacy, the app aims to mitigate the chilling effects of pervasive surveillance on individual freedoms and promote a more privacy-conscious society.
Goals
- Raise awareness about the extent and implications of surveillance infrastructure in urban environments.
- Empower users to make informed decisions about their privacy and surveillance exposure.
Workflow
Combination of research based on cctv in the Netherlands and graphic interfaces to visualize and map it. The (m)App guides you through the city - possible routes for avoiding to be surveilled?
Timetable
12 weeks in total
week 1-2: Research on video surveillance/cctv; different kinds of camera models used - specifically Netherlands and in Rotterdam.
week 3: Research different artistic projects on this topic - their practices and methods used (theoretically and aesthetically).
week 4: Develop based on research specific concept - Which interactions will be used? How will the educational attempt be visually expressed? Keep it minimalistic/focused.
week 5: Build a mock-up deciding on fixed design choices and modes of interaction within the (m)App.
week 6-8: Build the (m)App. week 9: Invite friends, "specialists", etc. to test and give feedback.
week 10-11: Implement feedback, last changes.
week 12: Release parteeeeey
Rapid prototypes (scratches)
Do a walk around your area, where can you find cameras? Signs for video surveillance? How does it affect your movement or your feeling of being secure?
Previous practice
In previous works I explored different methods of avoiding video surveillance by wearing glasses. Inspired by projects by other artists on how to stay invisible.
Relation to a wider context
#piracyforprivacy
Choice made
Why a (m)app? Being familiar with using apps for guiding through a city, anti-surveillance (m)app offers a different perspectiv on navigation and navigating your own privacy. Make use of the smart in your phone.
Rapid prototype template
(Write one sentence instruction for a work. Make it.) Take a quick 5-10min walk around the area you're at right now and try to find as many cameras as possible. Take photos to document your findings.
Additional References
- cctv theatre company
- FaceValue by Simon C. Niquille (https://www.wired.com/2013/10/thwart-facebooks-creepy-auto-tagging-with-these-bizarre-t-shirts/ )
- reflectacles (https://www.reflectacles.com/ )
- https://qz.com/10-fashions-to-help-you-confuse-facial-recognition-syst-1851112545
- https://www.businessinsider.nl/clothes-accessories-that-outsmart-facial-recognition-tech-2019-10?international=true&r=US
- https://projectkovr.com/
- https://cybernews.com/privacy/anti-surveillance-fashion/
- https://yr.media/tech/guide-to-anti-surveillance-fashion/
- https://rotterdam.info/webcams/
- https://www.youtube.com/@RotterdamMakeItHappen/streams
- https://web.archive.org/web/20160624092744/https://www.rotterdam.nl/webcamsrotterdam
Sources
[1] nltimes.nl. (n.d.). Over 300,000 security cameras registered in Dutch police database | NL Times. [online] Available at: https://nltimes.nl/2023/03/18/300000-security-cameras-registered-dutch-police-database [Accessed 10 Apr. 2024].
[2] van der Vlist, Fernando N. 2017. Counter-Mapping Surveillance: A Critical Cartography of Mass Surveillance Technology After Snowden. Surveillance & Society15(1): 137-157.
Proposal II: observer
What is it?
...
Why make it?
...
Workflow
...
Timetable
15.05 - 20.05: fully formulate concept + references/sources
21.05 - 28.05: think of technical aspects - How could it be built? What compontents do I need? Sketches for help
28.05: List for ordering electronics
29.05 - 05.06: Close primary research
05.06 - 19.06: production of product
20.06: testing
21.06 - 26.06: final changes + set up for SI24 lauch
27.06: SI24 launch built up
Rapid prototypes (scratches)
...
Previous practice
In a previous project I developed pixel glasses that protect people from being recognized by CCTV (http://bernadettegeiger.com/working_with_against_technology.html)
Relation to a wider context
#antisurveillance #cctv #piracyforprivacy #whatismydataworth
Rapid prototype template
Additional Reference
- FaceValue by Simon C. Niquille (https://www.wired.com/2013/10/thwart-facebooks-creepy-auto-tagging-with-these-bizarre-t-shirts/ )
- reflectacles (https://www.reflectacles.com/ )
- https://qz.com/10-fashions-to-help-you-confuse-facial-recognition-syst-1851112545
- https://www.businessinsider.nl/clothes-accessories-that-outsmart-facial-recognition-tech-2019-10?international=true&r=US
- https://projectkovr.com/
- https://cybernews.com/privacy/anti-surveillance-fashion/
- https://yr.media/tech/guide-to-anti-surveillance-fashion/
Sources
[1] ...