T 5.126 Unauthorised photography and filming with portable terminal devices

An increasing number of portable terminal devices are equipped with installed or plug-on cameras, for example laptops, PDAs, or mobile phones. Sometimes these cameras may also be used to record videos. Such portable terminal devices may easily be used in order to unobtrusively take photos or even record videos in sensitive areas (for example in the development department). The image quality usually does not match the quality of "proper" cameras, but it is nevertheless important to be aware of this risk.

As with "general data piracy" (see T 5.125 Unauthorised transfer of data using portable terminal devices), the photos made can be transmitted to the outside immediately and can then be deleted from the device. In this case, it is practically no longer possible to provide evidence even if someone is suspicious.

Examples:

• Meanwhile, mobile phones equipped with cameras are banned from many swimming baths and fitness centres, since there were many complaints about photos taken furtively in locker rooms. This became known to the public because some hobby paparazzi proudly presented their photos on websites.
• Along with an integrated microphone, many laptop models are equipped with small integrated cameras that may be used for still images, videos, or as a webcam depending on the design. Such cameras may be used easily in order to not only record the transparencies and the speaker in a legible and/or audible manner even from the very last rows in a lecture theatre, but also interposed questions may be recorded surprisingly well. Since the devices are often not perceived as cameras, this has already resulted in unpleasant surprises when unauthorised recordings were published.