Some of us run a finger along a hard surface to look for dust. Some of us jump on the bed fully clothed. But you might want to double-check when you enter your room on vacation: is there a hidden camera secretly filming your every move?
Cases of hidden cameras in holiday homes are rare, but incidents do occur and appear to be increasing. In recent years, guests using vacation booking sites like Airbnb and HomeAway, and even those staying in rooms at recognized hotel chains, have claimed to have discovered hidden cameras pointing to private areas in their rooms.
One in 10 holiday home owners admitted to having hidden cameras or microphones in their properties, according to a new survey from home security experts Vivint. Understandably, approximately 86 percent of guests surveyed viewed such surveillance as a violation of their personal space.
So why does this happen and how can you avoid being caught on camera during your next holiday?
They are smaller than you might think
Covert camera technology has advanced in recent decades. Kody Kinzi, a security researcher at software company Varonis, says hidden cameras are getting smaller every year.
"Hidden cameras are small enough to fit a Wi-Fi access chip the size of a postage stamp. While these used to be hidden in objects like stuffed animals and USB power bricks, they are now small enough to be placed discreetly in many types of objects - some I've seen include firefighting sprinklers, LED lights and plug-in air vents. refreshers."
They are also getting cheaper. Kinzi says you can buy a Wi-Fi camera that supports streaming, with features like facial recognition, for just $5.
The telltale signs of a hidden camera in your room
So how do you recognize a hidden camera? Kinzi says a good first step is to identify the private or interesting parts of a room and check for any suspicious electronic items nearby.
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"Having objects pointed directly at doorways, dressing areas, showers, or other private or interesting parts of a room can be a giveaway, especially if the object is plugged into an electrical outlet," he says.
"Any object like an alarm clock should be taken into consideration because the batteries do not need to be replaced. Be careful in a public area where batteries can be changed frequently and unnoticed. Other objects, such as air fresheners, should also be examined if they point in a strange direction," Kinzi said
How to detect a hidden camera with your phone
You can also try to detect a hidden camera by logging into the Wi-Fi network, he says. "If you're on the same Wi-Fi network as the camera, such as in a vacation home, you can often see the camera by scanning the network. When you're not connected to the network, you see a lot of IoT [Internet of Things] devices made by manufacturers like Espressif Systems (maker of the ESP32) is a sign that hidden cameras may be connected nearby."
There are also devices you can buy
If you want even more security, you can buy hidden camera detectors online. Kinzi says, "Using a hidden camera detector with red LEDs did an excellent job of identifying glass lenses on objects we identified as suspicious." On Amazon, hidden camera detector prices range from around £20 to £60.
What should you do if you find a camera?
If you find a hidden camera in your rental property, Airbnb recommends that you first contact the police and then report it to them: "If you or someone else feels threatened or unsafe, please contact your local police officer first. law enforcement agencies for assistance. In addition, if you witness or experience behavior that violates our policies, please let us know." Airbnb has a 24-hour security line for urgent support.
Vrbo says: "If you find a monitoring device that you believe violates our policies, please contact us immediately. This allows us to take the necessary steps to protect everyone's privacy and comfort."
Although you may be tempted to do this, Kinzi emphasizes that you should not destroy the item. "Report it to the police, especially if it is in a sensitive area. Don't destroy it. It is possible to recover the device's code so you can identify where it came from. Putting some duct tape on it and putting it in the freezer shouldn't be a problem as it will drain the battery quickly and possibly prevent a Wi-Fi connection."
If more people are aware of the problem, mistakes can sometimes be made. Kinzi gives a recent example. "A woman identified a suspicious sprinkler system and many people were divided as to whether it was a camera or not. It turned out that the sprinkler simply had a glass element that looked like a lens. [but] I have seen real hidden cameras mounted in sprinklers for sale online.
What are the platforms doing to prevent this problem?
Airbnb and VRBO both ban hidden cameras in their properties. Airbnb allows hosts to use security cameras in their properties "to provide hosts and guests with peace of mind," but these can only be used in certain areas and under certain circumstances. They are allowed as long as they are clearly stated in the listing description, are not hidden, are only used in a public space (i.e. not a bathroom) and "do not invade anyone else's privacy." Cameras can be used in indoor common areas as long as no one is sleeping in that room.
A Vrbo spokesperson said: "Surveillance devices that record the inside of a home are never allowed in listings on the Vrbo platform, and we have long had a strict policy against surveillance devices that violate the privacy and security of our guests. Outside a property, devices such as remote security cameras or smart doorbells are only allowed under specific rules, and the host must always announce their presence. Guests should contact our 24/7 customer service team if they find a monitoring device at a property that violates this policy.
"While these events are rare, our trust and safety team actively investigates all complaints about bad actors and takes action accordingly, including permanently removing hosts that violate our policies."
