The Surveillance Studies Network (SSN) is a UK-registered nonprofit academic association dedicated to the study and analysis of surveillance in all its forms. Established in 2006, it operates as a charitable company under charity number 1117449, with the primary purpose of supporting an international, interdisciplinary academic community researching and teaching about surveillance and its societal impacts[1][3][4].

Overview

The SSN promotes the free exchange of scholarly information on surveillance across various academic disciplines, including science and technology studies, communication, sociology, criminology, and geography. The organization functions as a clearinghouse for social science and policy research, consultancy related to surveillance, and actively disseminates knowledge through its activities and publications[1][2][3].

Activities and Publications

The Network owns and manages the peer-reviewed, open access journal Surveillance & Society, which serves as a key platform for scholarship on surveillance studies. In addition to publishing, the SSN organizes biennial international conferences predominantly held in Europe and hosts workshops in other global regions during the intervening years. It also offers awards and small research grants to promote and support scholarly work in this field[1][2].

Governance

The organization is governed by a board of directors who are prominent scholars and practitioners in surveillance studies. Notable current directors include Azadeh Akbari, Fernanda Bruno, Julia Chan, David Murakami Wood, Bryce Newell, Joshua Reeves, and Gavin Smith. The Network’s leadership has included previous directors such as Rosamunde van Brakel, Kirstie Ball, Pete Fussey, and David Lyon, reflecting its strong academic foundation[1][3].

Structure

The SSN is incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital and operates under a charitable status in the United Kingdom. Its registered office is located in Lewes, England. The charity’s activities are focused on supporting academic research and the free dissemination of knowledge on surveillance[5].

The Surveillance Studies Network continues to play a vital role internationally in advancing critical understanding and dialogue about the surveillance practices shaping contemporary societies.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surveillance_Studies_Network [2] https://surveillance-studies.net [3] https://surveillance-studies.net/about/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4024006 [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05794137