Antony West (Author)

The idea of “oversight”—a powerful, pervasive system monitoring and often controlling every aspect of life—is a common element in dystopian fiction. But this concept isn’t confined to the pages of a novel; it manifests in various forms in our real world. From governmental surveillance programs justified by national security to corporate data collection aimed at market control, mechanisms of oversight are constantly at play. Think about the extensive CCTV networks in urban centres, the tracking of digital communications, or the algorithms that influence everything from credit scores to job applications. These systems, while often intended for protection or efficiency, also raise significant concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for abuse of power. Where do you see “Oversight” at play in our world today?