Policing and social media sousveillance
In contrast to Surveillance, which means ‘looking from above’, Sousveillance is ‘looking from below’ implying common man keeping a watch on authority figures. ......................................................... Recently a WhatsApp video got a Tirunelveli police SI suspended. The video, probably shot by a concealed mobile, showed the SI harassing a couple for a Rs.1000 bribe. In Facebook there are many pages like the popular ‘Keep calm and film the police ’ which the public post mobile videos of police intimidation, harassment and excess force. In the last month itself there were 3 videos of shooting fatalities, which got the involved police-men punished. YouTube has thousands of videos on police bullying. One can also come across a few videos appreciating police, if one searches really hard! :) Traffic cop - 25 years without a complaint against him Social media is double edged weapon. Positive side of public vigilance On the ...