Audio Surveillance - Olympic Spying Games
ARTICLE BEGINS
Audio surveillance is nothing new in a country that is used to being watched, monitored and controlled. But for the thousands of Westerners who visited China for the Olympics it could have been a rather unnerving experience. Chinese authorities placed an estimated $6.5 billion of spy equipment into Beijing in the seven years run up to the Games, an estimated 300,000 surveillance cameras are now dotted around the city.
Audio Surveillance: The Walls Have Ears
Audio surveillance as well as video surveillance is ensuring no stone is left unturned and no corner unwatched. China is leading the way in spy equipment technology as it invests heavily into the industry. And one report suggested that Beijing's entire taxi fleet, around 70,000 cabs have all been fitted with audio surveillance equipment.
Audio Surveillance in Taxi Fleet
It may prompt a series of jokes amongst Westerners who wonder why their musings on the weather is worth monitoring, but the audio surveillance is certainly an extreme step in an already heavily-monitored society. Nevertheless, if you were thinking of spilling any military or state secrets, or if there's information you simply want to keep private - be warned that the cabs are said to be fitted with audio surveillance that consists of a microphone in the car dashboard that can be activated remotely. If the Chinese authorities don't like what they hear on the audio surveillance, you could be facing arrest or interrogation; it's thought the audio surveillance devices are also linked to remote disabling devices that can shut off the taxi's engine.
China: Sophisticated Spy Equipment
The authorities say the audio surveillance devices are for driver safety not spying purposes. But anyone in Beijing is likely to be heavily monitored, either by audio surveillance or CCTV. China already spies on its own citizens using audio surveillance and visual surveillance but foreigners and human rights groups raised concerns about visitors' human rights while visiting the Olympics; audio surveillance and monitoring devices were also placed in hotels across the city. The government are highly conscious of terrorism risks and human rights protesters. The country has spent massive amounts on its surveillance systems, incorporating audio surveillance, CCTV, face recognition technology and DNA databases creating the ultimate Big Brother state. The country already limits internet access, controls journalistic activity and systematically arrests political activists. Despite the fact there are legitimate security issues, it's expected the surveillance and spy equipment won't be taken down after the Olympics, raising fears from human rights activists over the increasingly policed state.
Speak To JJN Electronics About Spy Equipment
JJN Electronics has been operating for over ten years, supplying telephone, counter and audio spy equipment to a wide range of clients, including businesses and Government agencies. Our involvement in the industry has led us to develop a range of new equipment, including portable sweeping technology and listening devices that use the GSM mobile phone network for superior sound quality, anywhere in the world. To find out more about the equipment we offer and our expertise in the market, email mail@jjn-electronics.co.uk or call 020 8502 0099. You can also Skype us at jjnelec.
