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Warangal, KARUNAPURAM, August 18:
Karunapuram Symposium Examines Ethics of Digital Surveillance
The Annual Philosophical Symposium at Vishwa Jyothi Don Bosco College focused on the ethics of digital surveillance and its implications for human freedom, privacy, and moral responsibility.
Held under the theme “The Panopticon of the Soul: Applied Philosophy and Ethics in the Age of Digital Surveillance,” the symposium was moderated by Fr M. Sudhakar SDB, Director of Pravahini Media Centre, Hyderabad.
Drawing on Jeremy Bentham’s concept of the Panopticon, the symposium explored how smartphones, online platforms, predictive algorithms and data analytics have introduced new forms of continuous observation. It also discussed how such surveillance can influence human behaviour even when individuals are uncertain about when or how they are being monitored.
Third-course students presented a series of papers examining different dimensions of digital surveillance. Br Amosh Kumar Nayak discussed its meaning and nature, while Br Ribok Hahshah examined its contemporary forms. Br Mohan Katara explored the positive applications of surveillance, while Br Edmond Thyrniang analysed its negative consequences. Br Sanjay Chaturvedi addressed the prospects of digital surveillance. Each presentation was followed by discussion, and a group discussion then brought the morning’s deliberations together.
A major concern raised during the symposium was the “chilling effect” of surveillance. Participants noted that people may alter their speech, choices and behaviour because they believe they are being watched. They also said this persistent monitoring can erode the private space required for independent thought, creativity, moral reflection and constructive dissent.
The symposium also acknowledged legitimate uses of surveillance technology in public health, cybersecurity, infrastructure protection and emergency response. The discussions stressed that the challenge is not to reject technology. It is to ensure its ethical governance.
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Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback
