User:Berna Bereit Project That May or May Not Be Made

PROPOSAL I 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.

Goal

   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.

   Foster a community of individuals committed to promoting privacy rights and resisting invasive surveillance practices.

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.

Now thinking about it it would nice to have a controller/camera that guides - or it is a game in itself - try not to be found by the camera

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/