http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/08/britain-to-put-cctv-cameras-inside-pr... Britain To Put CCTV Cameras Inside Private Homes * By Charlie Sorrel * August 3, 2009 | * 8:36 am | As an ex-Brit, Ibm well aware of the authoritiesb love of surveillance and snooping, but even I, a pessimistic cynic, am amazed by the governments latest plan: to install Orwellbs telescreens in 20,000 homes. B#400 million ($668 million) will be spend on installing and monitoring CCTV cameras in the homes of private citizens. Why? To make sure the kids are doing their homework, going to bed early and eating their vegetables. The scheme has, astonishingly, already been running in 2,000 family homes. The governmentbs b childrenbs secretaryb Ed Balls is behind the plan, which is aimed at problem, antisocial families. The idea is that, if a child has a more stable home life, he or she will be less likely to stray into crime and drugs. It gets worse. The government is also maintaining a private army, incredibly not called b Thought Policeb , which will b be sent round to carry out home checks,b according to the Sunday Express. And in a scheme which firmly cements the nationbs reputation as a b nanny stateb , the kids and their families will be forced to sign b behavior contractsb which will b set out parentsb duties to ensure children behave and do their homework.b And remember, this is the left-wing government. The Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling, batting for the conservatives, thinks these plans are b too little, and too late,b implying that even more obtrusive work needs to be done. Rumors that a new detention center, named Room 101, is being constructed inside the Ministry of Love are unconfirmed. Sin Bins for Worst Families [Sunday Express. Thanks, Annaliza] Photo illustration Charlie Sorrel, original image public domain