New closed circuit television cameras have begun popping up around the downtown area in preparation for the G20 summit.

Rumour has it that the idea was motivated by a member of the Toronto Police Service who recently bought a bunch of George Orwell novels at a garage sale.

Police say the location of each camera will be released once installed. As well, cameras will be paired with conspicuous signs alerting the public to their presence. Police say the cameras will be removed after the summit.

Privacy advocates have criticized the use of closed circuit cameras, although they're already in permanent use in some downtown areas of the city, according to the Globe and Mail.

Well, I say 'amen' to those critics. Next thing you know, Big Brother is going to start detaining us on the street and asking for I.D.! (Whoops, sorry Arizona.)