P043 - Gatherings project: Balancing security, privacy and cost

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

In today's interconnected world, local surveillance has become a complex nexus of technologies, stakeholders, and data flows, blurring once clear boundaries. This project, drawing from Haggerty & Ericson's concept of 'surveillant assemblage', delves into the governance of surveillance technologies in the context of public gatherings (such as music festivals, Christmas markets, farmer markets, street parties, religious celebrations, demonstrations, and spontaneous assemblies). GATHERINGS aims to analyse surveillance effectiveness, its impact on privacy, and economic and social viability. In tackling the complex challenges posed by surveillance practices in public gatherings, the project takes into account the impact of surveillance on vulnerable subjects, particularly emphasizing intersectionality and diversity in its research approach. The project aims to raise awareness among professionals and citizens, fostering international alignment on privacy-aware, socially sensitive, and cost-effective surveillance practices for safer public gatherings.

Authors

• Lucas Melgaço, Associate Professor -VUB

• Julie Caluwaerts, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

• Rosamunde Van Brakel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel