The Global Gen World

The concept of a big brother watching our every move has been the focal point of science fiction novels and movies for year and a main theme among future predicting articles. But while much of our financial information can and is being tracked online, it is customary to assume that our daily movements and actions still enjoy a sense of anonymity. A popular movie released a few years ago starring Tom Cruise titled Minority Report depicted a future where human beings are tracked in public places via retinal scanners that identified each person as he passed by. Thankfully we do not (yet) live in such a world but the recent implementation of a new technology called Automatic number plate recognition is bringing us one step further.
Unlike Minority Report’s retinal scans, the Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system does not recognize pedestrians but it does make tracking registered vehicles extremely easy for law enforcement purposes. A recent attempt to crack down on drivers lacking car insurance which is required by law has gotten UK police to set up the ANPR system at multiple locations. The ANPR can detect cars as fast as one per second even while traveling at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. The system cross checks the passing cars with existing motor insurance records to find drivers with missing auto insurance and remove them from the road. It’s hard to criticize such a step taken by authorities but I can’t help but wonder whether we have not seen the last from the ever growing bigger brother…

Up until a few years ago you could have judged the importance of a company or a public institution by the presence of video surveillance cameras on the premises. After all, security cameras were considered expensive and required a significant infrastructure to operate (unless you simply put up dummy cameras for deterrence). So much has changed in the field though, both on a technological level and in social habits which make surveillance cameras much more popular and a common part of life.

The biggest change came with IP technology which allows cameras to easily be accessed via existing internet connection, eliminating the need for a dedicated infrastructure of wires and monitors. People are now installing security cameras themselves, not only in their places of business but even in their own homes. You don’t even have to be an expert to install today’s modern systems and stores such as EZWatch Pro Video Surveillance encourage consumers to purchase their surveillance systems direct and install them on their own. They have a wide range of products to choose from and their dedicated staff is readily available for phone consultation and advice.

Is the old reliable incandescent light bulb on its way out? Judging from the actions of advocates of the move towards the use of more energy efficient lightning, Thomas Edison’s light bulb may as well be an outdated invention. Lighting that implements newer technologies such as compact fluorescent lights, halogen lights and light emitting diodes (LED) are being favored. This is because they require much less electricity to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.

The move also hopes to eliminate the need to build more coal-burning plants that pollutes the environment. Many countries have already set their own deadlines to end the production and use of the incandescent light bulbs. Efforts range from creating public awareness to instituting bans.