Other hidden cameras are disguised as smoke detectors and USB chargers!
Evil Eye
Here's a nightmare: you're about to take a shower when you discover that the plastic clothes hook on the wall contains a tiny camera recording your every move.
That's exactly what happened to a foreign exchange student — a minor at the time — when she was about to bathe inside a West Virginia home, according to the BBC. And though Amazon is now facing a lawsuit over the chilling incident, these hidden cameras are still being sold on its website, such as this one for $42.99. Scary!
The student from Brazil alleges in her lawsuit against Amazon that she had discovered the spy camera in a bathroom designated for her use in 2022. She was staying at the home of a man who apparently bought the camera to record her undressing.
The student points out in her lawsuit that there have been numerous articles in the past warning about the danger of these disguised cameras — one takes the form of a USB charger and another as a smoke detector— over the years, but Amazon has persisted in allowing their sale.
Suits Up
Amazon tried to have the case dismissed, but the legal complaint is going forward.
British privacy activist Gina Martin told the BBC that these type of cameras in disguise are often used to prey on unsuspecting women and girls.
"Retailers do need to be doing more," she said. "They need to be stamping out hidden cameras because there are very few instances in which hiding the fact that you're filming someone is applicable or acceptable."
Besides these disguised cameras — often marketed as nanny cams — other miniaturized devices such as tracking tags and other Internet of Things tech have been used to harass people.
It's a brave new world. While technology has made it easier to find misplaced keys or luggage, it's also facilitated stalking, control and abuse.
It's admittedly a tough situation, because some of these devices have benign uses. But at the very least, retailers could stop selling these disguised cameras.
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