Watched but willingly?

A Peek Into How Surveillance Society Works

Aarnavi Singh
AIS VYC Lko, XII B

The phone lights up before the alarm rings. A camera watches the street outside. The GPS-enabled app already knows what route will be taken to work. None of this feels intrusive anymore. It feels… normal. This quiet acceptance is the true marker of a surveillance society.
Governments and corporations justify digital monitoring as a necessary evolution. Smart cities across the world have deployed CCTV systems and facial recognition technology to curb crime and improve urban management. In London, there is roughly one CCTV camera for every 11 people. China’s extensive facial recognition infrastructure is promoted as a tool for public order. Authorities argue it saves time, conserves resources, and protects lives.
Surveillance has seeped into our personal lives too. Fitness trackers can detect irregular heart rhythms. Google Maps tracks movement to avoid traffic. Streaming platforms recommend comfort shows to help unwind after a long day. These systems reduce friction in everyday life, making modern living seem even smoother than it already is. Pew Research Center surveys show that a majority of users are willing to trade personal data for convenience.
The cost of this comfort, however, is rarely visible. Behind the seamless interface lies an economic model that thrives on constant observation. Shoshana Zuboff, a Harvard scholar, terms this system “surveillance capitalism” - a model where personal data is extracted and sold to influence human behaviour. Every pause and scroll becomes a data point. Studies have shown that algorithmic profiling can influence who gets shortlisted for a job or  approved for a loan. A 2019 study by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology found significant racial and gender bias in facial recognition systems, with error rates way higher for POCs compared to white individuals.
Government surveillance, often justified in the name of national security, has repeatedly crossed ethical lines. The Pegasus spyware scandal revealed how journalists, activists, and political opponents were allegedly targeted using military-grade surveillance tools. When people know that they are being tracked, behaviour changes. Research published in the Journal of Law and Economics shows individuals avoid protest out of fear of observation. Democracy, which depends on fearless expression, quietly erodes.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of surveillance is the illusion of consent. The opaque privacy policies stretch longer than novels, making informed consent nearly impossible. A study in Carnegie Mellon University said it would take over 70 working days a year to read the privacy policies they agree to.
This is why this debate cannot be reduced to a choice between safety and privacy. It is about who controls the watcher and why. The future depends on whether people remain passive, or conscious participants who demand ethical boundaries in a world that is always watching.

Welcome to new beginnings

With great joy, I welcome all Amitians to the new academic session. April in India stands as a powerful symbol of renewal and fresh beginnings. It is a month that celebrates new harvests, vibrant festivals, and the start of traditional calendars across many regions. Nature joins this celebration, as spring unfolds in full splendour, filling the world with colours and the promise of new possibilities.
Looking back, it fills my heart with pride that our students have once again excelled in JEE Mains and distinguished themselves on platforms like Aryabhatta Ganit Challenge and MCOP 6. These accomplishments reflect not only their perseverance but also the holistic mentoring provided by AICE educators and AERC mentors. Having said that, while many of you have achieved your academic and co-curricular aspirations this year, some may feel they have fallen short of their goals. There is no reason for feeling discouraged. Spring reminds us that renewal follows every phase of struggle. Step into the new session with renewed enthusiasm and a fresh determination. Success is not defined solely by marks or medals; equally important is dedication and sincerity. It is this commitment that shapes character, strengthens resilience, and defines true achievement.
As you enter a news class, look forward to building friendships, discovering talents, and developing new interests - the real wealth that stays with you for life. At Amity, we remain committed to providing diverse opportunities for every student to explore, engage, and grow. I hope the coming session inspires each Amitian to learn something new and meaningful every day.

Rooted in values

Margaret Atwood has rightly said, “A word after a word after a word is power.”
This power finds its true expression through The Global Times, a unique canvas conceptualised by our honourable Chairperson, Dr Mrs Amita Chauhan, under whose enlightened leadership, our students learn to embrace innovation while remaining firmly rooted in culture and integrity. For in a world grappling with environmental degradation and social media influence, it is essential to pause, reflect and reconnect with our roots.
This Contest Edition stands as a glowing testament to the power of young voices and responsible journalism. The compelling top story on ‘Test tube tandoori’ offers a thought-provoking exploration into lab-grown and plant-based meat, presenting science with sensitivity and responsibility. The perspective piece titled ‘Watched but willingly’ intelligently examines life within a surveillance society, encouraging readers to question and analyse the world around them. The ground reporting on Chandi ki Chappal captures grassroots realities with empathy. Adding further depth to this edition is the interview of Shehzad Poonawalla, whose interaction offered our young journalists insights into leadership, communication, and national discourse. I wholeheartedly applaud the Editorial Board for their relentless dedication. Guided ably by their mentor, they have transformed ideas into impactful narratives that inform and inspire.
May our students continue to question fearlessly, write thoughtfully, and lead confidently, upholding our institution’s values.

Esprit d’excellence

With the release of our fourth Contest Edition, I feel immense pride – not merely because another publication is complete, but because of the journey behind it. From conceptualising ideas to meeting deadlines, the Editorial Board has worked with sincerity at every stage.
Being a GT mentor for nine years, I have witnessed how The Global Times, an initiative of our respected Chairperson ma’am, provides students with an unparalleled platform to showcase their creativity and skills.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it stands true for us. But despite tight timelines and high expectations, the team consistently chose effort over excuses. Their perseverance proves that success is not a matter of chance, but of conscious work. I extend my gratitude to our esteemed principal, Roli Tripathi, for her indispensable guidance and kudos to the GT team for nurturing young minds. To the Editorial Team and contributors – this achievement is yours. These aren’t just pages, but passion with purpose. Keep on writing with courage and integrity.