China’s data privacy: Country to crack down on spy cameras as it tightens enforcement of digital protections laws
- Regulators have launched a three-month campaign to crack down on the underground market for spy cameras and hidden-camera videos
- On social networks, tutorials can be purchased on how to gain access to home security camera feeds
Social and e-commerce platforms in China will face “severe” punishment if they fail to purge spy camera tutorials, hidden-camera videos and cheap, easily-compromised cameras from their platforms amid the central government’s push to tighten enforcement of privacy laws.
In a joint announcement on Friday, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Public Security Bureau and the State Administration for Market Regulation launched a three-month campaign to crack down on the huge underground market for spy cameras and hidden-camera videos.
Spy cameras, which are easily hidden and come with built-in memory and wifi connections, have become widely available in China and have been found in hotel rooms, public bathrooms and even private homes.
On social networks, tutorials can be purchased on how to gain access to home security camera feeds, and private chat groups exist where participants can exchange videos of residents’ most intimate and private moments.
A local newspaper in eastern Shandong province recently reported that for just 188 yuan (US$29), an undercover reporter was able to access live camera feeds from 30 homes at once. The seller even gave them an option to view hotel rooms, dressing rooms, and day spas for a slightly higher price.