Nowadays technology is increasingly being used to monitor
what people are saying and doing (for example, through cell phone tracking and
security cameras). In many cases, the people being monitored are unaware that
this is happening.
Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the
disadvantages?
Today, we are constantly monitored with the use of
technology and CCTV cameras in shops, public buildings, public transport etc.
and via the internet as we freely give out our personal information. This
limits our freedom and means that we have no privacy. Many people do not even
realise that they are being watched to such a large extent.
Often security cameras are able to ensure public safety. In
cases of terrorism, they are able to identify terrorists or discover important
clues through cell phone tracking. Many criminals have been caught because
police have had this type of evidence. In fact, sometimes this is the only way to catch
criminals.
Others might argue that modern means of tracking are an
invasion of privacy. Those who are unaware they are being watched might have
nothing to hide and it is unfair that they have their daily conversations and actions
exposed. There have been many scandals in the U.K. with respect to the media
monitoring the private lives of well-known people. If we think about it, we
also help towards being monitored by providing all our contact details on
social networking sites, posting personal photos, showing our preferences and
opinions on certain topics as well as our location when we check-in.
To conclude, the excuse we have been given about excessive
monitoring by the government is that it is for the benefit of public safety.
Unfortunately, in order to be safe, everyone needs to be monitored all the
time, especially in public places.
Question taken from The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for
Academic & General Training p. 244
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