gözetim

Gözetim is a Turkish term that refers to the act of observing, monitoring, or supervising people, processes, or systems. It is commonly used to describe measures intended to ensure safety, compliance, or performance and can be applied in public, private, and digital contexts.

Etymologically, gözetim combines göz (eye) with -etim, reflecting the idea of watching or keeping under review. In Turkish discourse it is closely related to terms such as gözetme and gözetlenen, and it overlaps with the English concepts of surveillance as well as supervision or oversight.

Applications include public safety surveillance by authorities, workplace monitoring to ensure policy compliance, healthcare and elder-care monitoring to protect well-being, and digital monitoring in information systems and online platforms.

Legal and ethical considerations emphasize privacy and proportionality. In Turkey, the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) governs data processing and sets requirements for consent, purpose limitation, and security. Internationally, surveillance practices are often governed by human rights, data protection norms, and constitutional guarantees, with ongoing debates about transparency, accountability, and the risk of abuse.

Technologies used in gözetim range from cameras, access controls, and alarm systems to logs, analytics, and real-time monitoring software. While they can enhance safety and efficiency, they also raise concerns about civil liberties, discrimination, and a potential chilling effect on behavior.