Understanding Public Support for Surveillance Technologies: The Case of Russia

• In Event: Perspectives on Technology in Criminal Justice

Abstract

During recent years, the state has increasingly adopted various surveillance technologies in law enforcement, such as facial recognition systems, mobile tracking apps, and drones. Some of these tools were actively promoted during the COVID-19 pandemic as necessary for public health and safety. However, their use remains controversial, raising important questions about their role in modern policing and their impact on citizens’ privacy. This study explores the factors influencing citizens’ support for the expansion of these surveillance technologies. Using survey data from Russia in 2020, we specifically focus on the role of factors such as trust in the government, police legitimacy, and attitudes toward lawbreakers. Our analysis identifies groups most likely to support these tools and the underlying reasons for their support. The findings help us better understand the factors that shape public opinion on the use of digital surveillance, providing insights into the broader implications of expanding such technologies in the context of law enforcement.

Author

• Anna Gurinskaya, Michigan State University