The Economic Times

CCTV cameras were first used to monitor Nazi V-2 rockets: Here's how wartime technology became a global surveillance tool

CCTV technology originated in 1942 for monitoring Nazi rocket launches. Early systems lacked recording capabilities, making them impractical for widespread use. The 1970s brought magnetic tape and VCRs, enabling easier recording and wider adoption. CCTV became a crime-fighting tool after its installation in Olean, New York in 1968. Its deployment accelerated globally after the 2001 terrorist attacks, becoming a key security component.