Mini-Lecture: Surveillance Systems as Networks (10 minutes)
Explain (in simple terms):
- Governments don’t just spy with computers — they build systems of hardware and software that collect, store, and analyze information.
- Hardware components that matter for surveillance include:
- Network infrastructure (routers, switches, servers) that move and store data
- Sensors (cameras, drones, phones)
- Processing units that run analysis software
- Databases that store user info and logs
Use a real-life example of Iran’s National Information Network, which is a state-controlled national internet that connects people’s traffic through government-controlled infrastructure that can be monitored and filtered.
Group Activity: “Match the Hardware to the Function” (15 minutes)
Divide students into small groups and give each one a set of “hardware cards” and “function cards.” Students must match:
| Hardware | Possible Function |
|---|---|
| Router | Moves data between networks |
| Server | Stores data & runs software |
| Surveillance Camera | Captures visual data |
| Drone | Takes aerial images, data |
| Network Switch | Connects many devices in a network |
| Database Storage | Saves records of activity |
| Mobile Phone | Source of personal data |
After matching, groups explain their matches.
Case Study: Iran’s Monitoring Tools (12 minutes)
Present these factual pieces (age-appropriate, contextualized with why privacy matters):
a) Network infrastructure and monitoring:
Iran uses a government-controlled national internet that channels data through infrastructure that the state can filter and inspect.
b) Surveillance hardware beyond computers:
- Cameras and drones are used to observe public spaces.
- People are encouraged to report on others via mobile apps like Nazer.
(This shows hardware + software + social systems working together.)
c) Broader context (not necessarily hardware):
The country also restricts access to the global internet during political unrest, showing how connectivity tech can be controlled.
Important accuracy note: Students should understand that not every government uses exactly the same tech, and specifics can vary. We are focusing on patterns — networking hardware + software + sensors — rather than covert specifics.
Discussion: Ethical Questions (8 minutes)
Ask:
- Is it ever okay for a government to monitor its citizens?
- What rights should people have to privacy?
- How do we balance safety and privacy?
Encourage respectful debate. Help them make connections to their own digital lives.