Amazon faces lawsuit over clothes hook spy cameras

The situation escalates with a recent US court ruling, requiring Amazon to address a lawsuit by a woman claiming she was filmed in a bathroom by one of these devices.

The lawsuit was filed by a foreign exchange student and aspiring actress, alleging that she was secretly recorded as a minor in a West Virginia home. She claims the offending camera, disguised as a clothes hook and purchased from Amazon, was used for this purpose. The man accused of the recording is currently facing trial. The complaint also points out that Amazon's listing, subtly suggesting the camera's covert use, should have made its potential misuse foreseeable to the company.

Amazon attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing it was not responsible for the camera's misuse. However, similar spy cameras remain listed on Amazon.co.uk, with some even explicitly suggesting surveillance in intimate settings like bedrooms. Other hidden camera products on the site include those disguised as everyday objects, indicating a broader issue of privacy invasion.

Privacy experts, including Jaya Handa from law firm Pinsent Masons, have raised concerns over the legality of such devices in the UK. Misuse of these cameras could violate various laws, including those related to harassment, child protection, and voyeurism. Moreover, if videos are widely shared, data protection issues could arise, adding to the legal complexities.

Campaigner Gina Martin, who helped bring about the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019, emphasizes that hidden cameras often target women and girls, underlining the need for explicit consent for filming. She calls for retailers like Amazon to take greater responsibility in regulating the sale of such devices, given the ethical and legal issues involved in non-consensual filming. Despite the legality of selling and owning hidden cameras, the controversy underscores the need for more stringent oversight in their retail.