Amazon caught selling spy cams disguised as bathroom/changing room clothes hook

In a disconcerting incident reported by the BBC, a student fell victim to a privacy nightmare when she discovered a tiny camera concealed within a plastic clothes hook in a West Virginia home’s bathroom. The minor, hailing from Brazil, is now taking legal action against retail giant Amazon, which is allegedly still selling similar hidden cameras on its platform, including one priced at $42.99. According to the student’s lawsuit, she stumbled upon the spy camera in a bathroom designated for her use in 2022 while staying at a residence where the homeowner had purportedly purchased the device with the intent of recording her undressing. Despite previous warnings and articles highlighting the dangers of such covert cameras, which can take the form of everyday items like USB chargers or smoke detectors, Amazon has continued to allow their sale on its platform. Amazon attempted to have the case dismissed, but the legal proceedings are moving forward, shedding light on the need for increased scrutiny over the sale of these invasive devices. Privacy activist Gina Martin emphasized the potential harm these disguised cameras can inflict on unsuspecting individuals, particularly women and girls. “Retailers do need to be doing more,” Martin stated. “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.” The prevalence of such hidden cameras, often marketed as nanny cams, raises concerns about the potential misuse of technology for stalking, control, and abuse. Beyond disguised cameras, other miniaturized devices, including tracking tags and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, have been employed for harassment. While acknowledging the multifaceted utility of some of these devices, critics argue that retailers should, at the very least, cease the sale of disguised cameras to curb their potential misuse. As technology continues to advance, striking a balance between convenience and protecting individuals’ privacy becomes an increasingly complex challenge. (With input from agencies)