https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2026/01/20/shabana-mahmood-panopticon/

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has shared her vision for the state’s use of AI and technology on the public. Inspired by 18th-century philosopher Bentham’s ‘Panopticon’, Mahmood says she wants constant state surveillance over UK citizens.

Shabana Mahmood and a police state

Mahmood’s controversial and authoritarian comments came in a Telegraph article, in which she said she’s aiming for ‘Minority Report-style’ policing. This should strike fear in the hearts of every citizen, as our Home Secretary appears to suggest that the advance prediction of crime is the goal, rather than to tackle crimes that have actually been committed.

Philosopher Jeremy Bentham attempted to introduce the ‘panopticon’ prison system in the late 18th century, arguing it was the ‘perfect’ prison. With prison guards at its centre, the prisoners would surround them providing a 360-degree view for ‘monitoring’ behaviour. However, it’s very design would have had such an impact on prisoners’ psychological wellbeing that Bentham was never able to realise his ambition of the ultimate ‘surveillance prison’.

This X post exposes Bentham’s history, showing that his ideas were seen as a step too far even in an era of limited citizen rights:

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