A hidden camera or spy camera is a still or video camera used to record people without their knowledge. The term “hidden camera” is commonly used in TV shows, sometimes when subjects are unaware that they are being recorded, and usually lacking their knowledge and consent. The term “spy camera” is generally used when the subject would object to being recorded if they were aware of the camera's existence. In contrast, "security cameras" refer to cameras that are visible and/or accompanied by a warning notice of their presence.
The camera may be "hidden" because it is not visible to the subject being filmed, or is disguised as another object. Such a camera may not be visible to the subject, for example, because it is fitted with a long-focus lens and located beyond the view of the subject, or located, say, behind a two-way mirror. Hidden cameras can be built into commonly used objects such as television sets, smoke detectors, alarm clocks, motion detectors, ink pen caps, plants, and mobile phones. Hidden cameras may be used for household surveillance devices and may also be used commercially or industrially as spying. The proliferation and lower costs of video recording devices have led to an increase in the use of hidden cameras for legitimate surveillance need, as well as for entertainment and other purposes.
The use of hidden cameras raises personal privacy issues and there may be legal aspects to consider, depending on the jurisdiction in which use takes place.
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