Book excerpt: This book brings into focus the ways in which the implementation of cameras and systems, and their operation and technical features, are the product of decisions and policies made ina variety of contexts and by a variety of authorities and interested parties. It examines the cultural contextin which cameras are deployed and explores how this context can shape their diffusion and use. The bookplaces particular emphasis on studies of video surveillance in different national, institutional, cultural andlinguistic settings.pIOS Press is an international science, technical and medical publisher of high-quality books for academics