Jungling creeps in DOTA, pwning noobs in Counterstrike or just looking at boobs? Big Mother may be watching.
A surveillance network of internet-connected CCTVs to let parents watch children using computers at net cafes has been proposed by the Department of Cultural Observation.
The network will be tested first in Bangkok before the program expands to other areas in Thailand, said Chai Nakhonchai, the department’s director-general. There are at least 6,000 cybercafes in Bangkok alone, Bangkok Post reported.
The system will integrate the CCTVs with Google Maps, so parents can access the exact location of the shop.
Verification of the user’s identity will be required by the department, Chai said.
While the news is likely to please some concerned parents, the prospect of spying on children over the internet seems to raise many serious, unanswered safety concerns.
As designed, the system aims to keep store owners compliant with permitted operating hours. Many parents complain their children stay at net cafes long past the legal operating hours.
