Spy cameras disguised as clothes hooks are available for purchase on Amazon, despite the company facing legal action over these gadgets. Listings for clothes hook cameras were discovered on Amazon.co.uk, some featuring images suggesting potential misuse in bathrooms and bedrooms. A recent US court ruling requires Amazon to face a case brought by a woman who alleges she was filmed in a bathroom using a clothes hook camera purchased on the platform. Privacy experts warn that the misuse of such devices may violate privacy laws. Amazon has not commented on the issue.
The legal action in the US involves a foreign exchange student who claims she was surreptitiously recorded in a bathroom using a clothes hook camera purchased on Amazon. The plaintiff argues that Amazon should have foreseen the potential misuse of the camera. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages against Amazon Inc and other defendants. Although Amazon attempted to have the case dismissed, the judge ruled that the company must face the legal challenge.
While the legality of selling and owning hidden cameras is not in question, the concern is about their potential misuse, especially in private spaces. Listings for various hidden cameras were found on Amazon.co.uk, including a camera disguised as a clothes hook positioned over a bath and another positioned beside a bed. Other cameras for sale on the platform include an alarm clock hidden camera, a USB charger camera, and a camera hidden inside a smoke alarm.
Experts warn that misuse of these cameras could violate several laws, including those related to harassment, child protection, voyeurism, sexual offences, and human rights. There are also potential data protection issues if videos are widely shared without consent. Campaigners argue that retailers, including Amazon, need to take more responsibility in preventing the sale of hidden cameras, especially when their misuse can infringe on privacy and consent rights.
Kiki Garba
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