As much as we love the proliferation of cheap tech these days (thanks, China), the ease of access to one troubling device may actually be a legit cause of concern to all.

Once a piece of tech limited to those in the espionage industry, hidden cameras are now really affordable and not that difficult to purchase, thanks to online marketplaces. The Straits Times found out that the sale of such cameras are actually on the rise — and it’s a worrying trend, considering how they’ve been used for malicious purposes.

The cameras — which can be hidden in everyday objects like pens, spectacles, clocks, and smoke detectors — have seen a sudden spike in popularity among consumers, with no restrictions in place at all to purchase them. ST reported that online shopping platform Lazada has seen sales of such cameras growing 1.5 times this year, while eldercare consulting firm OMG Solutions noted an increased demand for them. Speaking to the paper, OMG Solutions’ founder mentioned that the cameras are often used by customers to monitor elderly family members or domestic helpers at home.

But of course, other folks are buying hidden cameras for less respectable reasons. Of late, there have been cases of pervs secretly filming women in bathrooms and changing rooms, as well as voyeuristic photos and videos that are uploaded online and sold to willing buyers on seedy forums.

Retailers, however, have assured that they take precautions when selling the cameras, and will refuse the sale should the potential buyer sound likely to have criminal intentions.

Grove: Coconuts Brand Studio

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