Qualified Trust, not Surveillance, is the Basis of a Stable Society

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the reliance on surveillance for societal stability, arguing that trust rather than surveillance should underpin a peaceful and just society, and explores alternative approaches.

Contribution

It challenges the prevailing notion that surveillance is essential for societal stability and proposes trust-based frameworks as viable alternatives.

Findings

Surveillance often undermines trust in society.

Trust-based approaches can enhance societal stability.

Current surveillance practices pose ethical and social risks.

Abstract

Peaceful citizens and hard-working taxpayers are under government surveillance. Confidential communication of journalists is intercepted. Civilians are killed by drones, without a chance to prove their innocence. How could it come that far? And what are the alternatives?