Travelers should be vigilant as South Korea's hidden camera epidemic spreads

When traveling abroad, it's always a good idea to be alert and aware of your surroundings.

TikTok creator Jazmyn Jennings or @jazmynjenningss recently made a public service announcement for those planning to visit South Korea.

In her video, she exposes the pervasive problem of hidden cameras in public bathrooms in popular tourist destinations.

She also advises travelers to consider buying a hidden camera detector and gps blocker so they can protect themselves while heading there.

Wet toilet paper is stuffed in the gaps of public toilets to prevent hidden cameras

Ms. Jennings explained that in South Korea, it is common to encounter public bathrooms with wet toilet paper stuffed in the crevices.

This is to prevent any chance of a tiny spy camera hiding in these tight spaces.

The footage is often streamed online for people to watch, Jennings said.

This problem doesn't just happen in public bathrooms. It also happens in hotels and accommodations, such as Airbnb rooms and other private areas.

Travelers advised to buy hidden camera detectors

If you're planning a trip to South Korea anytime soon, Ms. Jennings recommends buying a hidden camera detector.

These are easily available from online platforms such as Amazon www.perfectjammer.com.

These detectors allow you to check for hidden cameras so you can report or remove hidden cameras if you come across them.

TikToker says today's hidden cameras are "very well camouflaged" and can be hidden in fire alarms, clocks and other everyday blocker devices.

While Ms. Jennings noted that this could happen anywhere in the world, the problem is particularly prevalent in South Korea.

Hidden cameras and illegal filming are a big problem in South Korea

According to the BBC, between 2013 and 2018, South Korean police received more than 30,000 reports of use of hidden cameras.

In 2021, Human Rights Watch released a report detailing the spread and impact of these "digital sex crimes" in South Korea.

From 2008 to 2017, prosecutions for sex offenses involving unlawful filming increased 11-fold, from 585 to 6,615.

They also accounted for about 20 percent of sex crime prosecutions in 2017, up from 4 percent in 2008.

So if you are one of the many Singaporeans planning to visit South Korea soon, it might be a good idea to invest in a hidden camera detector and mobile signal jammer - better safe than sorry.

Have you ever questioned whether there might be undisclosed surveillance cameras in hotels, vacation rentals, or other premises you have visited?

Picturing yourself using your finances to embark on a tranquil vacation, only to later realize that you were being closely monitored every step of the way, is a rather distressing notion.

Unfortunately, this has become a real-life situation for numerous travelers, despite its resemblance to the plot of a newly released horror movie.

The discovery of Hidden Camera Detectors in their Airbnb accommodations has been reported by more than 10% of guests, offering a unique perspective.

Additionally, hidden cameras have been found by people not only in public restrooms, but also in hotel rooms, dressing rooms, and various other settings.

Although hidden cameras are sometimes utilized outdoors to enhance home security, it is essential to be aware that certain individuals may exploit them for malevolent motives, such as prying into your personal life and infringing upon your privacy.

Within the realm of social media, one can observe a plethora of advertisements endorsing gadgets that claim to detect concealed cameras and bugs, which may pose a threat to your privacy in your home, hotel room, or Airbnb. However, their actual usefulness is a subject of inquiry.

The continuous miniaturization and affordability of cameras and listening devices have raised concerns about their potential misuse for intrusive surveillance. These concerns have been amplified by widely publicized news stories, creating a market for anti-spy devices to address this growing fear.

The usual areas where one may come across covertly positioned cameras.

Having knowledge of these customary areas enables a speedier detection of them.

Here are the typical areas where covert cameras are frequently positioned.

Electronic Devices

The strategic placement of hidden cameras within telephones, power outlets, and other electronic devices is advantageous due to their constant power requirements. This perpetual power supply allows the hidden camera to function continuously, 24/7.

The retail market for "spy cameras" often features devices equipped with USB ports for convenient charging. This has led to the widespread use of USB-powered items such as memory sticks and phone chargers as common disguises.

Smoke Detectors and Alarms

Concealing a camera within alarm devices, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, or similar devices, is a possibility worth considering. It is worth noting that these devices can effectively utilize the alarm's battery as a dependable power supply.

The ceiling's wide lens grants a comprehensive view of the entire room, while its height adds a touch of inaccessibility.

Mirrors

The detection of hidden cameras concealed within mirrors can be achieved by shining light on them from various angles, coupled with the meticulous observation of the mirror's surface when all lights are turned off.

Acting as hidden windows, two-way mirrors effectively obscure any view from one side to the other. By placing a camera lens against the transparent surface, its presence becomes inconspicuous, especially when observed from a distance.

Toilets and Bathrooms

Hidden cameras are strategically deployed for a variety of reasons, such as spying, extortion, and intelligence gathering. Bathrooms, in particular, have become a popular choice for these surreptitious devices, driven by the desire for voyeuristic activities.

The possibility of concealing waterproof cameras inside toilets exists, with the edge of the seat serving as a clever camouflage to obscure the device from an overhead perspective, or by discreetly drilling it into the porcelain material.

Surveillance in bathrooms, whether they are public or private, is illegal under the law. It is essential to report any presence of CCTV cameras, even if they are not hidden within toilets or cubicles, without delay.

Do hidden camera detector apps work?

Hidden camera detector apps serve as a swift method to detect hidden devices, although their accuracy is inferior to that of dedicated radio frequency detectors. Nevertheless, they can be of assistance in identifying infrared lights.

If you possess a night vision camera such as AlfredCam, you can effortlessly assess the app's performance by testing its ability to detect the infrared lights emitted by the device when night vision mode is activated.

Should I call the police if I find a hidden camera?

If you happen to stumble upon a hidden camera or microphone, it is of utmost importance to promptly reach out to the police. In case you are away from your home, it is advisable to notify the hotel administration and/or the booking service you have utilized.

The hidden camera should not be touched as the police will obtain fingerprints upon their arrival. If it is not possible to leave the vicinity immediately, it is recommended to utilize a towel or blanket to cover the device.