Police State Collection

Fingerprint scanner. Persons finger being scanned by a fingerprint scanner. This scanner is being used to open a door. The ridges on peoples fingers form a unique identifying pattern

Microchipped passports, Russia
Microchipped passports. Russian passports, labelled in both Cyrillic and English, and with Russian ensignia on the front. These passports have microchips embedded in them to allow faster

Biometric scans. Computer artwork of a human eye and fingerprint. Biometrics is the identification of individuals by measuring and analysing their physiological characteristics, such as fingerprints

Artificial intelligence. Conceptual computer artwork of a brain inside a computer, representing intelligent computers. The monitor screen shows a human eye

Artificial intelligence, conceptual artwork. Electronic circuitry is seen behind the eye

First Soviet cosmonaut squad, 1961
First Soviet cosmonaut squad, in Sochi, Russia, in May 1961. This photograph was taken soon after the worlds first successful orbital flight, by Yuri Gagarin

State-controlled science, artwork
State-controlled science. Artwork of two state security guards and a scientist. This can represent state control of science, or the development of science and military technologies as state secrets

Biometrics, conceptual image
MODEL RELEASED. Biometrics, conceptual composite image

Spy books, conceptual artwork
Spy books. Conceptual artwork of eyes peering out of books. This can represent subjects such as espionage, state surveillance, and invasion of privacy

Fingerprint biometrics. Computer artwork of a hand (green), a finger tip (upper left), and symbols of men (blue) and women (pink). Fingerprints are the patterns of ridges on the tips of the fingers

Surveillance. Composite image of human eyes on computer monitors, representing the concept of Big Brother

Face biometrics. Computer artwork of lines marking the contours (shape) of a human face. This kind of data could be obtained by scanning faces

Biometric fingerprint. Computer artwork of a hand and a fingerprint (upper centre). Fingerprints are the patterns of ridges on the tips of the fingers

Identification and surveillance technology, computer artwork. The technology seen here includes satellite imaging, iris scanning and fingerprinting

Computer surveillance. Conceptual computer artwork of human eyes, electronic circuit boards, a bar code (top centre) and a fingerprint (upper right)

Eye scanning

Personal ID card. Computer artwork of a womans hand holding a personal ID (identification) card. The eye and double helix symbols indicate that the unique personal identifiers on this card include

Biometric fingerprint scan. Computer artwork of a human fingerprint overlaid with a printed circuit board (PCB), representing fingerprint scanning

Iris scanning. Conceptual computer artwork of the scanning of the iris of a human eye. Iris scanning images the iris (unique to each individual), the coloured area surrounding the pupil of an eye

Speed camera, computer artwork. This piece of equipment is used to photograph vehicles exceeding the local speed limit. As well as a camera

Barcode on a mans head, computer artwork. This could represent the tagging of people for surveillance purposes

Barcode on a womans head
Barcode on a womans forehead, computer artwork. This could represent the tagging of people for surveillance purposes

Biometric eye scan. Computer artwork of a human eye overlaid with binary numbers and computer graphics symbolising eye scanning

Global crime. Conceptual computer artwork of guns against a background of an Earth map, representing worldwide use of guns

Global security. Conceptual computer artwork of Earth wrapped in barbed wire, representing global security issues. These include the prevention of terrorism

Global ID card
Biometric ID card. Computer artwork of a personal ID (identification) card carrying biometric data, data on biological measurements

Biometric ID card. Computer artwork of a personal ID (identification) card carrying biometric data, data on biological measurements

Biometric ID cards. Computer artwork of personal ID (identification) cards carrying biometric data, data on biological measurements

Traffic speed camera. Computer artwork of a traffic speed camera marked by yellow and black warning stripes. The camera has been triggered by a speeding vehicle and is taking a picture

Traffic speed cameras. Computer artwork of traffic speed cameras with speed limit signs. The cameras have been triggered by speeding vehicles and they are taking pictures (as shown by the flashes)

Smart dust nanotechnology
Nanotechnology smart dust. Computer artwork of sycamore-leaf-like nanomachines being dropped from a flying machine (upper left), demonstrating the concept of Smart Dust

Criminal tagging, conceptual image. Computer artwork of barcodes tattooed on criminals, representing the process of tagging

Human eye, computer artwork

Pixellated eye, computer artwork. This could represent artificial vision or impaired sight

Biometrics, conceptual artwork
MODEL RELEASED. Biometrics, conceptual computer artwork

Surveillance, conceptual artwork
MODEL RELEASED. Surveillance, conceptual computer artwork

Biometric identification conceptual image
Biometric identification, conceptual image. Conceptual computer artwork of an eye made out of a fingerprint, representing the use of retinal scans and fingerprints to confirm a persons identity

Surveillance, conceptual image

Security scanning technology, artwork
Security scanning technology, computer artwork. Silhouette of a human hand with five squares (white) representing the scanning of the fingerprints on the tip of the digits of the hand

Security technology, conceptual artwork
Security technology, conceptual computer artwork. The padlock represents various security technologies, while the printed circuit board (PCB)

A chinese police car
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

Police photographer photographing protestors at a climate change rally in London December 2008
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

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In the era of advanced technology and increasing surveillance, the concept of a "police state" takes on new dimensions. Fingerprint scanners, microchipped passports, and biometric scans have become commonplace tools in the arsenal of law enforcement agencies worldwide. From Russia's implementation of these measures to artificial intelligence-driven systems, our society is witnessing a transformation where personal privacy seems to be fading away. The integration of artificial intelligence into policing raises both hopes and concerns. While it promises efficient crime prevention and detection, its potential for abuse cannot be ignored. As seen in conceptual art pieces exploring this theme, AI can easily tip the balance between security and individual freedom. Looking back at history, we recall the First Soviet cosmonaut squad from 1961—a reminder that even space exploration was not immune to state control during that time. State-controlled science often went hand-in-hand with artwork intended to promote government ideologies. Biometrics has emerged as a powerful tool in identifying individuals but also poses risks like identity fraud. In striking conceptual images depicting biometrics' impact on society, we are confronted with questions about personal autonomy versus security measures imposed by authorities. Spy books depicted through conceptual artwork remind us that surveillance extends beyond physical means; information gathering plays an equally crucial role in maintaining control within a police state. As debates surrounding privacy rights continue to intensify globally, fingerprint biometrics stand as symbols representing this ongoing struggle between citizens' right to anonymity and governments' pursuit of public safety. In this evolving landscape where technology intertwines with governance, society must navigate carefully—balancing security needs while preserving fundamental human rights against encroaching forces shaping our world into what some fear may resemble a true "police state.