Dealing with audio bugs, surveillance cameras and location trackers

How might someone spy on you using bugs, cameras and trackers?

There are several ways someone may listen to conversations, watch someone or track their location. These are described below at a high level.

Physical surveillance

Surveillance does not always involve technology. Someone may physically follow you or listen to your conversations.

If the person knows you well, they may already know your typical routine. They may also build a picture of your movements from information shared online.

An individual may also obtain information from someone close to you, or use a false identity online to persuade you to communicate with them or share sensitive information.

Physical surveillance can be difficult to identify. Avoid making assumptions about who may be responsible and focus on your immediate safety and the evidence available.

Hacked online accounts & devices

Unauthorised access to online accounts or devices can allow someone to monitor you.

An ex-partner or another person may know your passwords, or may have helped set up an account. If they can access an account, they may be able to see communications, personal information, location data or photographs.

A person may also have access to an account because they previously managed or paid for a service. For example, someone who manages a household internet account may have access to the router's administration settings.

Devices can also be compromised. Malicious software such as spyware may allow someone to access information from a device, including its location, camera, microphone, communications or settings.

Using the technology you have already

Think about the microphones, cameras and location-enabled devices already in your environment.

These may include:

• mobile phones

• tablets

• computers

• smart watches

• smart TVs

• smart speakers

• home security systems

• vehicle systems

A mobile phone is particularly important because it is usually carried with you.

Many devices and applications are managed through online accounts or mobile apps. If another person gains access to these accounts, they may be able to access information or change settings.

Location-sharing and device-finding services can also be misused. In some cases, another person may have had physical access to your device and enabled location sharing without your knowledge.

Planting a bug, camera or tracker

Small surveillance devices are widely available for purchase online. These can include audio recording devices, hidden cameras and location trackers.

The fact that a device is commercially available does not mean that it can lawfully be used to monitor another person. Using surveillance equipment without appropriate permission may raise legal issues depending on the circumstances, including privacy, interception, harassment, domestic violence or cybercrime concerns.

For a physical surveillance device to be placed somewhere, the person responsible would generally need some form of physical access to that location or object.

Common types include:

1. Audio recording devices – small devices that may be designed to record or transmit conversations. Some may use mobile networks or store recordings locally.

2. Camouflaged devices – surveillance equipment may be concealed within everyday objects such as chargers, plugs, clocks or vehicle accessories.

3. Cameras – cameras may be standalone devices or concealed within another object. They may connect to a network or store recordings locally.

4. Location trackers – small devices can be attached to vehicles, bags or other objects to record or transmit location information. Some store historical location data, while others may transmit location information in near real time.

You do not need to identify the exact type of device or determine how it works. The priority is to stay safe, preserve evidence and identify appropriate next steps.