Are you traveling through Newark’s International Airport soon? If you’re flying through Terminal B, then look up. Smile at the lights; they might be taking pictures of you.
I’m not crazy, and this is no Hollywood script. Newark, New Jersey’s Liberty International Airport has installed 171 LED ‘smart lights’ in Terminal B. These lights are supposed to last longer and save energy, but that’s just the beginning. Each and every LED light contains a security camera. This was the idea of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Starting last year, they started testing cameras intertwined with LED lights. The footage collected by these lights/cameras are expected to be used for security purposes, monitoring foot traffic, the ticketing area, other activities, and eventually, catching unattended baggage.
Now on the surface, it’s meant to keep us safe. Bur keep in mind, smart lights can literally track your every move within their reach. That’s why privacy rights groups and civil libertarians are already crying ‘big brother’. In this case, at least we know what to expect when we step into Newark Airport’s Terminal B. Think of all the times our privacy was compromised and we weren’t told a thing until after the fact. No matter what side you’re on, you must admit this isn’t the world people my age grew up in. Even ten years ago, I never thought an LED/security camera combo was even possible. But here we are. I just hope they’re not installed in bathrooms. Please give us some dignity with this. But they’re already talking about moving these smart lights from parking lots even to schools. So I don’t see this trend shutting down anytime soon. Will smart lights be coming literally near you? And isn’t there a better way to keep us safe?