Spy camera is it really legal?

For several years, the video surveillance market has known a newcomer, the spy camera. 

Allowing you to play James Bond or to monitor in total discretion, this new camera is most often located in harmless objects (watch, pen, glasses, etc.). 

It allows you to record videos or take photos without arousing the curiosity of the victim.

The responsibility of spy camera merchant sites

The commercial sites for spy cameras are relieved of all responsibility and indicate in these general conditions of sale: (example found at one of the main commercial sites of spy cameras)
“The buyer certifies using the material:

• with respect for privacy
• never without people’s knowledge
• in compliance with the law in force in the country of use (prohibited product, frequency of emission, power) “

To date, no specific case of spy camera surveillance has been tried, but the penalties for this kind of practice can go very far (fine and prison).

Do we have the right to film someone without their knowledge?

According to the data protection act of January 6, 1978 modified by the law of August 6, 2004, the owner of the video surveillance system must be responsible for informing the public that he is in a place under video surveillance.
In a professional place, explicit signs, posters or placards must be placed so as to be clearly visible to all. Company personnel working in the filmed enclosure must be notified in writing.
In an individual, the regulation of surveillance cameras at home is more flexible and only an oral warning to anyone likely to be videotaped must be made.
This strict regulation goes against the main objective of a spy camera which is to be hidden and therefore prevents in a legal framework the use of these videos.

Camera for home support: benevolence or spying?

Through one or more cameras placed in the home of a third party (that of the elderly relative), the caregiver will thus see him, speak to him and be alerted in the event of an event or absence of movement.

Fully configurable to meet the needs of the caregiver and the caregiver, the video surveillance application can seem intrusive. However, this is by no means a spy camera.

 Indeed, the installation of the camera must be done in complete transparency with the agreement of the elderly person. 

It is a matter of protecting it and reassuring caregivers and helpers on a daily basis. 

The sometimes fearful caregiver, when alone, reduces his activities and becomes passive, which is often the first step towards the depression that affects 15 to 30% of people over 65 in Kenya.

How to use a surveillance system?

More and more people are using surveillance systems to ensure their safety and that of their property.

 Burglaries are more and more common these days, which means that the right measures have to be taken. 

From its acquisition, mastering its use is a very important step. To do this, here are some tips that you may find useful.

Choose good locations

To be able to have a permanent eye on every corner of your home, place the camera on a removable support to be able to change the orientation. 

Also, fix it high in a discreet place that is difficult for foreigners to access. 

As for motion detectors, place them near your doors and windows or any place likely to pass by.

Install a digitiscope

To be able to view and “store” the images, you must have a “digitiscope”. 

This device receives the video stream and sends it to your screen, which is usually a monitor or television, for display.

Connect the camera to your PC

If you have a wireless model, it is important that it is connected to your PC. 

Use the software provided with the device to view the images. Most often, instructions are provided, so it is advisable to follow them to the letter. 

In this way, you will have real-time videos of your home or business premises at all times.

Hide the wires

To get a professional result, you need to hide the cables by routing them through the walls. 

Before performing this kind of operation, you must know the internal structure of the walls of your home. 

In particular, you should know where the electrical pipes and conduits are located, as well as the studs.

Use one box to power all cameras

If you had decided to install several surveillance cameras in your home, it is recommended to supply them via a single box to make the use of the set practical.

 So be sure to buy a box that can provide enough electrical power for all the cameras you intend to install.

Create a monitoring center

The attic, your office or the room in which your Internet router is located are suitable places to set up your surveillance center. 

In this way, you will have quick and easy access to all the surveillance devices in your house.

Always check your connection

In order not to miss a single minute of the exterior or interior actions of your house, you must be constantly connected. 

Make sure the cables are securely connected and that you have selected the correct inputs for the recorder and display.

Choosing the right surveillance software

Some software will allow you to display all the camera fields on the screen at the same time in mosaic mode, while with others you will be able to display only one field by selecting the appropriate entry number or by switching from one field to another by pressing a button.