In case you weren't aware of this, let me break the news for you:  High tech street lights with “homeland security applications” are now being installed in major U.S. cities.  The street lights also have loudspeakers that can give audible warnings to individuals,mimicking the talking surveillance cameras in the UK that shout out orders through microphones telling people to pick up litter or leave the area.

“The built-in speaker can broadcast emergency information,” states the press release, adding, “SmartSite luminaires can be equipped with a variety of cameras and sensors to ensure real-time 24/7-security coverage. The sensors detect a variety of threats that enable rapid response from emergency personnel or help prevent crime and gain control of the streets.”

Not only can the street lights, now being rolled out in Detroit, Chicago and Pittsburgh with Department of Energy backing, act as surveillance cameras, Minority Report-style advertising hubs, and Homeland Security alert systems, they are “also capable of recording conversations,”according to a report by ABC 7.

The ABC video clip, featured at the end of this article, includes creepy footage of the street lights being used to transmit Orwellian security alerts, including “pay attention please….please stand by for a public safety announcement,” and “this is a security alert”.

Can anyone see this technology being used for EVIL purposesin addition to "the common good"?  Do you feel that this is a serious threat to your privacy?  Does the crime rate warrant such intrusive technology?