Last year, the team behind work package ‘legal aspects’ hosted a workshop on purpose changes in public camera surveillance. My interest in the topic dates to our first day of participant observation as AI MAPS team, on May 27, 2023, with an Extinction Rebellion protest. This day of participant observation and the subsequent workshop provided a rich foundation of data, shedding light on how empirical-technological realities can diverge from regulatory realities, leading to unintended uses and transformations in the purpose of these technologies—what we commonly refer to as function creep.
Building on this data, we – Nanou (PhD candidate legal aspects) and Francien Dechesne (Associate Professor of Ethics and Digital Technologies) – developed the first version of the article ‘Changing lenses on lenses – Function creep with public camera surveillance in the Netherlands?’, which I had the opportunity to present at the symposium 'Law and/vs Technology' held at Leiden University. This conference was a vibrant gathering of scholars, students and policymakers, all grappling with the complex interplay between law and technology. Presenting my work in such a stimulating environment was both a challenging and rewarding experience. It pushed me to refine my arguments, clarify my methodology, and consider the broader implications of my findings.
The feedback I received at the conference was invaluable – as well as the extensive feedback from both supervisors: Francien Dechesne and Evert Stamhuis. Again and again, these interactions show the importance of not just criticizing the status quo, but also contributing to the ongoing conversation about how law and technology can coexist in a way that promotes both innovation and accountability. As I incorporate the feedback, I am reminded of the iterative nature of academic research and writing. The process is far from linear; it involves constant reflection, revision, and refinement. Presenting at conferences, engaging with peers, and receiving feedback are all crucial steps that help shape a piece of research from its early stages to its final form.
With the revised version of my article nearly complete, I am now preparing to submit it for publication in September. The publication process itself is another critical aspect of academic work. After submission, the article will undergo peer review, where it will be evaluated by experts in the field. This process ensures that the research meets the high standards required for academic publication, and it often involves further revisions based on the reviewers' comments.
Navigating this journey from workshop data to a conference presentation and finally to a publishable article has been an enriching experience. It has deepened my understanding of the subject matter and sharpened my analytical skills. More importantly, it has highlighted the collaborative nature of academic work, where ideas are continuously tested, challenged, and refined through dialogue and critique. As I prepare for the final stages of this process, I am both excited and eager to contribute my findings to the broader academic discourse on law and technology.
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