How Often are You on Camera?
Take a guess. Hint: guess high.
Better sit down for this one. The latest stat I could find was from April 2020 on the Wise- Answer website which stated the average American is caught on camera 238 times per week (34 times per day). Depending on where you live, work or visit, this number can vary widely. I also think it’s low.
So where are all these cameras? Below are some of the different types of cameras and likely places for their use.
Closed Circuit TV cameras are often used by businesses both inside and outside their premises. They are also used in public places like the train stations, public gathering grounds, or on some streets. I’m sure you’ve seen some of them and you don’t have to look too closely. Technically the owner of the cameras is supposed to tell you that they use CCTV cameras, but in reality, few rarely do. If they do it is usually as a crime deterrent.
Doorbell and Security Cams – where do you think all those YouTube and Tik Tok videos come from. They can usually see beyond the front porch and can provide a full view of the street out front and the houses across it. Take a look next time there is a news/ weather picture of hail, or an unusual snow fall from someone’s doorbell or security camera. Look beyond the falling snow and see what you can see.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s). While banks usually have an extensive array of cameras throughout the premises, there are often cameras inside the ATM machines themselves that are almost indetectable. In a future article I’m going to address how to protect yourself at an ATM machine. I thought I knew, but in researching this topic I found out some other ways thieves can get your banking info and into your accounts.
Traffic surveillance. This can come in a few different forms such as intersection cameras, pole mounted cameras, and photo radar. Ever get a speeding ticket? The evidence is usually pretty clear it’s your vehicle, and they provide you with nice additional info like time and date. These cameras may not actually photograph you, but they can get a really nice pic of your vehicle.
Dashcams. I knew more and more people are using these, and I’m contemplating getting one myself, but I was a little surprised by the percentage of Canadians that have them. The Madeinca website states that “approximately 11% of drivers use dashcams in Canada”. You can be caught on camera while driving or walking through a parking lot at the local mall. I’m not going to count backup cameras on vehicles as I don’t believe a record is kept of the images. Since May 1, 2018, all new vehicles in Canada must have a backup camera. Some cars also have front cameras which act like the backup camera but are not a dashcam.
Phone cameras. Again (tongue in cheek), where do you think all those YouTube and Tik Tok videos come from. Your image can be captured on a phone cam either on purpose or in the background of people taking selfies or panoramic photos/videos. I rarely use my phone cam, but I’ve seen people who have thousands of pics on their phone. I’m sure you’re on someone’s somewhere.
Computer cameras. If you’ve got a computer, your camera is staring at you all day long. Yes, I know you can turn them off, but can you really? You can physically block your computer cam with tape or get a sliding tab that fits over your camera that slides back and forth off your lens. They’re cheap – like 5$ or so at an office supply store.
So, you’ve decided you’ve had it with the rat race and want to head into the boonies to escape all the people and cameras. Well guess what? They are out there too. I’ve been backpacking and come across Parks Canada or research trail cams out in the middle of nowhere.
I got to wondering how many cameras I personally have. Turns out I have eight. And that’s only counting one computer cam, only one traditional camera and not my truck’s backup camera. I didn’t include the rest of my family. Just for fun I multiplied that number by the population of Calgary which was 1.3 million in 2021 and came up with the number of 10.4 million cameras in Calgary alone. That number might be a bit high because I’m thinking that I probably have a higher-than-average number of cameras.
You get the picture, no pun intended, that your smiling face is not a very well-kept secret.
Dave Schroeder – HCRCWA Board Member
