Misuse of surveillance tech in Corbett National Park raises concerns over women’s privacy

A study has revealed that cameras and drones deployed in Corbett National Park, initially intended for wildlife conservation, are being misused to monitor women without their consent.

Conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, the study highlights the misuse of surveillance technology by local officials and men to intimidate women, limiting their rightful access to forest resources.

The research, published in Environment and Planning F, involved interviews with 270 residents near the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand over 14 months. It revealed that drones were deliberately flown over women, discouraging them from collecting natural resources they are legally entitled to access.

According to lead researcher Trishant Simlai, the use of digital technologies such as camera traps and drones has transformed forested areas into "masculinized spaces," extending societal patriarchy into what was once a safe haven for local women. The forest, traditionally a space for women to escape domestic struggles, has now become a source of unease.

The presence of surveillance equipment, such as camera traps, inhibits women’s behavior. They reported feeling watched, which discouraged them from singing or talking freely as they collected firewood. This silence increased their risk of surprise encounters with dangerous wildlife like tigers and elephants.

The study uncovered disturbing incidents of harassment, including the circulation of a photograph of a woman using the forest as a toilet, captured by a wildlife camera trap and shared on local social media platforms.

Simlai highlighted the social importance of the forest for women, where they form strong bonds while working together and use traditional songs to deter wildlife attacks. However, the invasive surveillance technologies have undermined this sanctuary, altering women’s behavior and even impacting their mental health.

One tragic case involved a woman who was killed in a tiger attack, a death researchers linked to the behavioral changes brought about by surveillance.

Co-author Chris Sandbrook, a professor of conservation and society, noted that the findings have sparked significant debate within the conservation community. He stressed the importance of ensuring that technologies meant to protect wildlife do not inadvertently harm local populations.

"Surveillance tools can easily shift from tracking animals to invading people’s privacy, significantly altering their behavior," Sandbrook said.

The researchers emphasized the need for conservation strategies to account for how local women use forests.