Spycams are getting more accessible to anyone. They’re smaller and cheaper, which increases the probability of being filmed without your consent.

https://twitter.com/theNatalieByrne/status/1232014130912976899?s=20&t=ZjshDYyyt6bFdNvnk1yDjg

Luckily, these cameras are below spying agencies’ standards and can be detected by a trained eye. I’ll share with you some tips to help you reduce the likelihood of being filmed. Remember that those tips will not always work, especially since technology is constantly improving and cameras are becoming more and more miniature (and cheaper).

Using your eyes to spot a camera

Ok, it’s not that easy but some tips and knowing what to focus on make it easier.

Minimalist objects are not great for hiding cameras

Most hidden cameras are…

• …built to look like anything that is not a camera: alarm clock, clock, smoke detector, phone charger, electric outlets, teddy bears…
• …small sensors manualy hidden inside an object where it will be hard to locate: plant, soda can, vents and air conditioning, electronics with complex shapes (audio devices, microwaves…)
• …hidden behind a surface that is transparent, and will look glossy to you, to allow the sensor to capture the image, for the same reason the human eye can’t see if you put opaque glasses on them.

Be extremely careful when you see an object that shouldn’t be where it is. If you see an alarm clock on a hotel desk, with a glass surface pointing at the bed, chances are there’s a camera in there.

Examples:

Above, you can see a piece of electronics with complex shapes. It’s full of buttons, ports, and glossy/glass surfaces so you might want to look at it closely because:

• It has a glass panel
• Ports, buttons, and that speaker fabric are good places to hide an extremely small camera

Two other examples: