Telescreens

Telescreens are two-way television-like devices that can transmit and receive audio and video signals, used to disseminate information and monitor a population. They are a central instrument of the state’s surveillance apparatus in dystopian fiction.

In George Orwell's 1949 novel 1984, telescreens are ubiquitous in both public and private spaces, used by the Party to control citizens through constant observation and propaganda. They feature an always-on display with a built-in microphone and camera, enabling the state to monitor facial expressions, voice, and movements, and to transmit ideological messages at all times. They are designed to be difficult or impossible to disable, ensuring continuous surveillance. They can be used to report dissent and to enforce conformity, while providing a veneer of normality through entertainment and information.

Beyond fiction, the term telescreen is used in discussions of surveillance technology: two-way screens or smart devices that both present media content and capture data. Modern parallels include smart TVs, video-enabled devices, and networked cameras that collect audiovisual information, sometimes covertly. Critics argue such devices enable pervasive monitoring and manipulation of public opinion, while proponents point to potential benefits for safety and communication.

See also: Big Brother, surveillance state, panopticon, media control.