The plan of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Hai'a) to install cameras in malls and shopping centers in order to monitor the behavior of youths who may be violating regulations has engendered a spirited debate in society with some people supporting the idea and others strongly opposed. Those against this plan see it as a violation of the privacy of families and shoppers with cameras monitoring them and taking their pictures, even though they have done nothing wrong. These opponents to the Hai'a plan say that there are other alternatives which can achieve the same end of limiting the misconduct of some young men without resorting to the installation of cameras in markets. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Humayen, General President of the Hai'a, said that the Hai'a, Arriyadh Development Authority and several shopping centers and malls plan to install monitoring cameras in Riyadh similar to those installed a year ago in one of the shopping centers in Khobar in the Eastern Province. Sheikh Al-Humayen said, “We are benefiting from the experiment in the Eastern Province and we are considering expanding its use to other shopping centers so as to curb certain antisocial practices which sometimes take place.” Members of the public hold different opinions as to whether the installation of cameras in places where families shop is necessary and whether it would actually solve problems or create new ones. Sa'eed Al-Zahrani said that he doubted that cameras would solve the problem of youths misbehaving in public areas. “On the contrary, I believe the problems with youths are going to increase. I think it would be better if the Hai'a staffers increase their rounds in the markets instead of bothering with these cameras. If they catch anyone doing something wrong, then they should deal with him appropriately,” Al-Zahrani said. Khalid Omer agrees that Hai'a patrols should be increased and that cameras should not be used. “By increasing their presence in shopping areas, the Hai'a would impose their control on the markets in a way that does not harm others. Just monitoring young men with cameras will not deter or frighten them. Therefore, there is only one solution – to arrest those who are disregarding regulations and who are exhibiting bad behavior in public,” he said. On the other hand Husein Jamal is of the opinion that if the monitoring of markets using cameras is of benefit to society and will stop youths from harassing girls and young women, then it should be used. Bandar Al-Zahrani, however, finds it hard to accept the idea of his family being monitored along with the youths who are the target of the plan to install cameras in shopping areas. “It means that when you go shopping with your family, cameras will be taking your pictures and monitoring your every move. I don't accept this! Even though these cameras are meant to take pictures of those committing violations, your picture will be taken whether you like it or not – all because you're in the market,” he said. Khalid Omer raised a further point when he wondered what would happen to all the photos taken in public shopping areas. “What is bothering me is: What will guarantee that the pictures are not leaked out which may lead to photos of our families and children being posted on the Internet? Who can guarantee that such things will not happen when they implement this system?” he asked. In response, Bandar Al-Zahrani, said, “The General President of the Hai'a stressed that good faith towards all the parties would achieve what is being aspired to and that the intention is to reform and not to defame.” “We must take into account that the Hai'a and all its officials are striving to provide the best always,” he added. Sa'eed Al-Zahrani feels that there is nothing better than advice and guidance. “If a young man makes a mistake and someone gives him good advice, he will be ashamed of himself and will never make the same mistake again. But monitoring people with cameras in order to prove that they have committed a mistake, however small it might, is not right. Our religion calls upon us to advise one another and kind persuasion is one of the best ways for advising young people,” he explained. “We must realize that Allah urges us not to spy on one another. Many people agree with me that this method involves spying on people,” he added.
