A five-minute primer on an issue making headlines Lawmakers are worried their private conversations may be enjoying a wider audience than intended, and have called on the government to investigate whether they are under surveillance. How does bugging work? It is surprisingly easy to tap someone's phone. The simplest method is to put a transmitter in the telephone socket and record conversations. For video surveillance, pinhole cameras are widely available. There may even be hidden cameras at your workplace - there are no laws against this. With satellite tracking systems, surveillance can get really intrusive. Surely we have privacy rights? Yes, we do. The Basic Law gives us the right to privacy, but also says authorities can infringe this where serious crime or threats to public security are concerned. There are no laws in Hong Kong protecting people against being monitored. Who's monitoring those who monitor us? No one. That's why a judge declared the government's use of such tactics unconstitutional and gave it six months to shape up. Legco is discussing a law regulating such investigations and creating checks and balances. What's that clicking noise on my phone? If you're hearing unusual disturbances on your phone, particularly whirring sounds, a sudden dip in volume or abnormal echoes, you may wish to check out the many detection devices available. Legislator 'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung has a 'Bug Smasher' which can detect telephone tapping. If you are under video surveillance, you can get a video-camera detector that can pinpoint the camera. Many electronics stores carry such devices - or you could go to specialist stores in Mongkok and Shamshuipo. Of course, it depends on who is spying on you. The government can tap your phone at the telephone exchange, in which case such devices will do you no good. Professional spies can also use sophisticated devices that avoid decreases in voltage. You will need a security expert to sweep your place for bugs. Turns out I'm being monitored by my jealous ex-boyfriend. Could I press charges against him under the proposed law? The proposed Interception of Communications and Surveillance Bill covers only law enforcement agents. If your ex-boyfriend broke into your home to install the camera, you may have a case, but simply using such surveillance devices to spy is not illegal. The irony is that law enforcement agents will be held to a higher standard than ordinary citizens.