Vigi_Portugal –  Video-surveillance, Data, and Privacy in Public Space in Portugal

The project seeks to explore, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the video surveillance of public spaces in Portugal, taking into account the understanding that techno-surveillance articulates issues of communicational mediations, power relations, state interests and those of large technological corporations, and citizens’ rights. Some of the research questions underpinning the project: What are the institutional motivations underpinning the use of public space surveillance in Portugal? What aspects have justified its expansion over two decades? What bases characterize the conceptions of surveillance of different Portuguese public bodies? How do residents of local communities with surveillance perceive and position themselves regarding these systems? How does surveillance policy in Portugal relate to the right to privacy? Are there statistical data – and what do they communicate – about the relationship between surveillance, crime, and security in the country? How do civil society institutions evaluate public space surveillance in Portugal? What technological changes have been implemented in surveillance systems over two decades?

Regarding the objectives, this project seeks to (1) systematize a historical-political analysis of surveillance in public spaces in Portugal; (2) study the implementation of surveillance networks to understand their functioning and possible sociopolitical implications; and (3) understand the perspectives of public bodies and civil society on surveillance in the country.

Methodologically, the project uses a qualitative research approach, exploratory in nature, based on the following methods: identification, systematization, and documentary analysis of official materials on surveillance; interviews with public bodies involved in surveillance policy; missions to register cameras installed in public spaces; focus groups with residents of areas covered by operational surveillance systems; workshops on privacy rights and personal data protection.

Thus, it is hoped to advance research on surveillance in Portugal, offering contributions such as: the elaboration of a timeline of surveillance in Portugal; production of interactive maps of surveillance cameras; publication of reports, scientific articles, and communications on surveillance in the country; development of activities in universities, schools, and association headquarters; and stimulation for the creation of a Portuguese network of surveillance studies.

With these results, it is understood that the project has the potential to fill a gap in scientific research on surveillance in Portugal, contribute to the expansion of studies on the subject in the country, and foster public debate on surveillance and the right to privacy in public spaces.