The British are almost as spied on as the Chinese, a team of independent researchers carried out a study that revealed the existence of around 5,2 million CCTV cameras across the country. The report compiled by CCTV.co.uk shows that there is one camera for every 13 people in the UK today. According to activists for the protection of privacy it is a record, the number of 10 cameras for each person in China has been exceeded.
Privacy advocates argue that the massive use of cameras has not actually decreased crime.
Research from CCTV.co.uk also showed that 96% of cameras in the UK are operated by private companies or individual homeowners. London is by far the most guarded part of the country, with around 690.000 CCTV cameras. The researchers said requests made to the institutions revealed that only 23.708 cameras are operated by the capital's local authorities, police and transport authorities, or just 3,4 percent of the total.
Researchers believe that the boom in camera circuit installation has been helped by the affordable prices of systems that can now be purchased for less than £ 200.
Gray Collier, director of advocacy at Liberty, said: "We should all be able to live our daily lives without feeling like we are being watched. The increase in private use of CCTV fuels the perception of greater surveillance but at the same time makes us more vulnerable ”.
CCTV.co.uk also revealed the number of cameras in other major English cities. Birmingham has the second largest number of cameras, with an estimate of 83.000, Leeds with 58.000, Glasgow with 46.000 and Sheffield with 43.000.