Creepy clothes hook spy cameras for sale on Amazon
The digital world means people are more aware than ever of privacy - especially with all the new types of tech coming out, and how interconnected they are to our lifestyles.
Amazon has become the go-to online shop for all your needs, but there is one item that is causing a stir.
The online retail giant is selling recording devices which are, controversially, disguised as clothes hooks. Yikes.
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Amazon has been sued over the gadget by a woman who alleges she was filmed in a bathroom using one of these devices - when she was staying in a West Virginia home.
The lawsuit alleges that an Amazon seller 'designed and manufactured a spy camera consisting of a mountable hook with an embedded pinhole camera which allows user to secretly record audio and video of individuals without their knowledge or consent in immoral and indecent places such as bathrooms'.
The complaint suggests that Amazon approved these types of devices for sale despite knowing that they are 'capable of, and intended for, secretly recording sexual encounters'.
The lawsuit is seeking punitive damages against Amazon.
The tech company attempted to get the lawsuit denied, but its motion was dismissed.
The man alleged to have bought the camera is facing trial.
A quick search for ‘spy camera shower hook’ on Amazon shows a selection of hidden cameras disguised as household products, with the majority claiming they’re great for security to monitor your home or to act as a baby monitor.
Some products still available on Amazon use a motion sensor to detect and record any movement, and some have speakers, alarm clocks and pens with hidden cameras inside.
This is all starting to sound quite dystopian - and misusing these types of devices could also breach British laws, according to a privacy expert.
Jaya Handa, a privacy partner at law firm Pinsent Masons, told BBC News: "Given the expectation of privacy within the home, individuals could be committing a crime under a number of other legal frameworks including harassment, child protection, voyeurism, sexual offences or human rights laws."
UniLad has reached out to Amazon for comment.