Part 2/11:
When one thinks of a surveillance state, ubiquitous cameras often come to mind. Drawing on George Orwell's “1984,” the concept of being watched at all times evokes a sense of unease. In China, surveillance manifests as an extensive network of hundreds of millions of cameras—an estimated one for every ten citizens—spread throughout cities, public spaces, and even private homes. Not just passive watchers, these cameras are often equipped with advanced facial recognition software that can identify individuals within seconds, raising serious ethical concerns around privacy and personal freedom.