A recent report by researchers from Cambridge University has highlighted a troubling misuse of surveillance technology in Corbett Tiger Reserve. Initially designed for conservation purposes, such as monitoring wildlife, tools like camera traps and drones have been repurposed to track the movements of local women who gather resources in the forest—without their consent. The report, published in Environment and Planning F, sheds light on how these technologies, intended to protect and study wildlife, have instead infringed upon the privacy of the women, leading to significant concerns about their mental health, freedom, and safety.
According to the findings, the use of camera traps and drones to surveil the women’s activities in the forest has led to unintended consequences. Local women have reported feeling inhibited and more self-conscious when collecting resources, which has altered their behavior. Some have even expressed fears that the presence of these surveillance tools makes them more vulnerable to potential attacks by wild animals, as they become quieter and more cautious in their movements. For many women, the forest has traditionally been a safe space to gather resources, socialize, and connect with others. However, the introduction of surveillance technology has disrupted this dynamic, making them feel constantly watched.
Experts in the field have raised concerns about the broader implications of such surveillance practices. Professor Chris Sandbrook, Director of the University of Cambridge's Masters in Conservation Leadership programme, warned that the use of technology meant to track animals can easily be repurposed to monitor human behavior. This, he argues, is a violation of privacy and can lead to a shift in social behavior that impacts the mental well-being of those being surveilled.
The report has called for a reevaluation of current conservation practices, urging conservationists to consider alternative methods for gathering information, such as conducting surveys, which do not infringe on the privacy of local communities. It emphasizes the need for a more balanced approach to conservation, one that respects the rights of the people living in and around protected areas. The misuse of technology in Corbett Tiger Reserve highlights the importance of ensuring that technological advancements are used responsibly, without compromising the privacy and well-being of local populations.
