What to do if you discover a hidden camera in your hotel room

Hidden cameras have been a hot topic in the headlines, with several incidents of hidden cameras being found in public places and vacation rentals. In May 2023, a Royal Caribbean passenger was arrested for installing a hidden camera in a public bathroom, while in July, a Texas couple sued their Airbnb host for hiding cameras in smoke detectors. In December 2023, a teenage girl found a hidden camera on an American Airlines flight.

These incidents have raised concerns about privacy and safety for travelers. Iskander Sanchez-Rola, director of privacy innovation for Norton, shared tips on how to spot hidden cameras and what to do if you find one. Despite laws protecting individuals from being recorded without consent, hidden cameras can still be a worry for many.

A survey found that 58% of travelers are concerned about hidden cameras in vacation rentals, with one in four guests finding a camera during their stay. Sanchez-Rola advised looking for suspicious objects, checking for blinking lights in the dark, and using hidden camera detectors to uncover any hidden devices.

If you do find a hidden camera, the first step is to contact law enforcement and follow their instructions. Avoid alerting the property owner to prevent them from tampering with the evidence. Vacation rental companies like Airbnb and Vrbo have procedures in place to assist guests in such situations.

With stricter regulations and awareness about hidden cameras, travelers can feel more confident in protecting their privacy. By being vigilant and knowing what steps to take, individuals can ensure their safety while staying in hotels or vacation rentals.