Key facts
- Commercial detectors for hidden spying devices may provide a false sense of security to domestic abuse victims, a study found.
- Researchers from University College London found many detectors fail to adequately identify covert surveillance devices.
- Hidden surveillance devices are often concealed in everyday items and can be misused for spying and abuse.
- Participants in a study using detectors showed only a marginal improvement in finding hidden devices compared to searching alone.
- Many detectors are not discreet enough to be used safely by victims living with perpetrators.
- A UK domestic abuse charity has seen a notable rise in victims reporting hidden microphones or cameras.
Commercial detectors designed to help domestic abuse victims locate hidden spying devices may be ineffective and provide a false sense of security, according to a study by University College London's computer science department. These tools, which claim to identify hidden cameras, microphones, or trackers using methods like signal-strength readings or infrared detection, often fail to adequately assist users.
Researchers identified approximately 1,000 covert surveillance products and 500 detection tools sold on mainstream online platforms in the UK. These hidden devices are frequently concealed within everyday items such as USB chargers, plush toys, and clocks, and are often marketed as home security or pet tracking tools, though campaigners note they can be misused for spying and abuse.
During an experiment, 34 study participants searched for hidden devices in a simulated living room. When using detectors, participants missed 59% of the devices, a marginal improvement from the 67% miss rate when searching unaided. Many participants reported difficulties interpreting detector readings, experienced anxiety from false positives, or found that the tools missed surveillance objects entirely.
The study's lead author, Akhil Polamarasetty, stated that many detectors are not designed with typical consumers or at-risk users in mind, often emitting loud sounds that could alert a perpetrator. He emphasized that these devices are not discreet enough for use when living with an abuser. The researchers recommended clearer user guidance and better communication of inconclusive readings from manufacturers.
However, the authors concluded that these recommendations alone cannot prevent tech-facilitated abuse, advocating instead for a halt in the sale of hidden spy devices. Co-author Dr. Leonie Tanczer highlighted the dual-use nature of technology and called for companies to consider potential misuse during the design phase.
The UK domestic abuse charity Refuge reported a significant increase in victims discovering hidden microphones or cameras, noting the accessibility and affordability of these devices allow perpetrators to weaponize them for control. Refuge urged the government to review the design, safety testing, marketing, and sale of these products and to take regulatory action. Amazon declined to comment, while eBay stated it prohibits many covert surveillance products and is committed to maintaining a safe marketplace. The UK Home Office affirmed its commitment to addressing technology-facilitated abuse and making non-consensual intimate image-taking an offense.