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dgellowyesterday at 2:32 PM4 repliesview on HN

> Thorp notes that modern CCTV cameras are “pretty great” even at low-light levels, while harsh light makes it hard for both human eyes and digital sensors to see.

That’s a weird thing to include. That sounds like an argument _for_ more aggressive lights. I didn’t expect to see a “think of the surveillance system”


Replies

swiftcoderyesterday at 2:33 PM

> That’s a weird thing to include. That sounds like an argument _for_ more aggressive lights. I didn’t expect to see a “think of the surveillance system”

One of the biggest excuses for ultra-bright streetlights is crime prevention (usually shortly followed by CCTV). I'm not really sure why we continue to indulge that point of view, but if one is indulging it...

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pjl0yesterday at 7:57 PM

If your goal is to reduce light pollution, addressing/deflecting the concerns of the surveillance state is probably more likely to get you to that goal than ignoring the concerns entirely or tying yourself to the omnicause

mghackerladyyesterday at 2:58 PM

Even then, couldn't you just use IR cameras with IR lights for illumination. I'm sure that comes with it's own set of issues, but strictly speaking is better for maximising surveillance while minimising human impact

WarmWashyesterday at 2:33 PM

Their prime audience for change are governments...