I’m not real happy to revisit this topic, but after examining how mobile phones played into media coverage of the earlier London attacks, I was interested to see the Metropolitan Police make an appeal for cameraphone images and other footage taken in the four relevant areas before or at the time of the incidents today. People can submit via the www.police.co.uk Web site, or via MMS to 07734 282 288 (is an operator or messaging provider going to stump up and support this for free?).
Looks like sousveillance is playing out — and this instance will only bring it further into the mainstream. It’s hard not to see phrases along the lines of "This guy was creepy, so I took his picture with my phone — just in case," becoming commonplace.
Second London Blast - Police Appeal for Public’s Assistance
Police are hoping the public can provide vital information in their search for today’s London bombers.
Q: is it still ’souveillance’ if you are doing it on the behalf of the police/authorities/powers-that-be?
Hi Matt
Thanks for the comment.
I’d say so. The definition is actually “watchful vigilance from underneath” so the motivation doesn’t really come into it.
Russell
Interesting question, Matt. I’d think in this case, it still is as the police didn’t enter into it until after the fact. And in the future, I think people will probably offer up these sorts of pictures on their own, so I’ll agreee with Russell here.
carlo
This will definately have an effect on the media as we know it.
At least that’s what I think