A device designed to find hidden cameras could leave you feeling safer than you really are
Researchers found consumer spy-device detectors provided only a small improvement in finding hidden cameras and trackers, while confusing alerts could create dangerous false reassurance.
A device marketed to detect hidden cameras and other spy gadgets may not provide the safety and security users assume. Researchers from University College London found that while surveillance detection tools improve upon finding hidden devices, they still leave most concealed devices undiscovered. These detectors use various methods, such as scanning for radio-frequency signals and spotting infrared light reflecting off camera lenses.
However, their effectiveness hinges on how easily users can understand and interpret the device's output. Clear instructions and navigable lists of detected devices improve performance, while complex signal-strength readings and confusing failures can lead to false alarms and anxiety. Some detectors even produce loud noises during operation, potentially alerting abusive partners to the search for surveillance equipment and defeating the purpose of discreet monitoring.
The researchers found roughly 1,000 covert surveillance products and 500 detection tools available through mainstream online marketplaces in the UK, many disguised as ordinary objects like USB chargers, clocks, and toys. The study highlights the gap between what these devices promise and what ordinary users can realistically achieve with them.
Researchers suggest that clear instructions and specific designs for at-risk users are most effective, but argue that improving detectors alone does not solve the wider problem. As long as covert surveillance devices remain easily obtainable, no gadget can provide complete security.
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