In an SUV or crossover, when the rear window washer is used, the camera for the Rear Camera Mirror is also washed.
In a sedan without a rear window washer, there may be a separate control for Camera Wash (if equipped). Look for it at the end of the wiper stalk, marked with both VIDEO and WASH icons. If the control is a rotating knob, turn the control away from you to wash the camera for the Rear Camera Mirror; if the control is a push-button, simply push the button at the end of the wiper stalk.
On some other vehicles without a rear window washer, there is a dial on the stalk labeled with a camera icon and the word REAR. Rotate that dial toward you to spray washer fluid on the rear camera.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
However, the visibility offered by a car’s rearview mirror has inherent limitations. The view is often obstructed by passengers in the rear or reduced due to nighttime conditions or bad weather, making it difficult for the driver to see the rearview.
Nissan has developed a rearview mirror with a built-in LCD monitor displaying images from a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle. This Intelligent Rearview Mirror allows the driver the ability to switch between the LCD monitor and the standard rearview mirror, depending on the driver's preference.
The driver is able to see traffic conditions behind the car through the clear video imagery, as well as use the rearview mirror to check on passengers and pets in the rear. This helps make for a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
Mirror says they don’t sell you personal information, which is good. They do say they can share your personal information for marketing and other purposes with a number of third parties. They do not say they will de-identify this personal data of yours, which isn’t good. And when you choose to connect with a social media service or other third party platform like Facebook, Spotify or Apple Health, Mirror may collect information about you from that platform. All in all, we worry Mirror can, and does, collect a fair amount of personal information on their users. And we worry they are sharing this personal information without de-identifying it. And we’re really worried they don’t say in their privacy policy how they handle really senstive personal data like audio and video of you in front of your Mirror sweating and grunting.
Surveillance has been in the news again recently. It is accepted by some because there is a need for recording events to increase safety and reduce crime. On the other side, there are concerns about privacy and civil rights.
Identification cards have been a hot topic too in the UK over the past few years, while police body cams have irked some groups in the US.
Just recently, there were many media reports about the Pegasus phone hacking software. Even the average person can find ways to spy on friends or enemies, says Spycentre. Indeed, the Play Store has GPS tracker apps to follow someone’s phone.
But lately, there has been another type of surveillance has emerged. The media has been reporting on hidden cameras being found in locations where they shouldn’t be.
It is something that is concerning many individuals, and with a genuine reason, as you will see below.
Why would someone hide a camera?
Before you assume that all motives behind hidden cameras are mired in dark thoughts, there are some legitimate reasons.
A partner could suspect their wife or husband is cheating on them, and they set up a camera to catch a stranger entering a home. There was a sort of fashion not so long ago to use so-called nanny cams. These were designed to make sure the nanny was caring for a child properly.
A hidden camera could be used to catch burglars, but it could be put in place for much darker reasons.
One family from New Zealand found they were being live-streamed according to a report by CNN, after they checked into their Airbnb. In fact, it is Airbnb hosts and their customers that have brought the hidden camera problem to light.
Why are Airbnb hosts hiding cameras?
If you have recently visited an Airbnb, then don’t panic. It was almost certainly camera-free. But, there has been a spate of reports of individuals finding hidden cameras in their host’s homes.
The motivation behind this could stem simply from wanting to make sure the property didn’t get trashed. Or to have evidence of rule-breaking, such as parties being held.
Many hosts have horror stories to tell about past guests, so they may have installed the cameras for security. However, some of them definitely had other plans. Cameras have been found in bathrooms and bedrooms on occasion.
Is it legal for someone to hide a camera and secretly film?
The law isn’t incredibly clear in the states surrounding hidden cameras. Like many laws, the regulations surrounding hidden cameras vary.
The laws surrounding hidden cameras vary from state to state, but one thing generally remains standard. Although you can often hide a camera on your own property without telling anyone, it mustn’t invade anyone’s right to normal privacy.
What this means is, a hidden camera in your kitchen may be perfectly legal, even in an Airbnb situation. Once you start placing cameras in rooms where people expect somewhat more privacy, say the bedroom, then you are breaking the law.
Hidden cameras in a working environment are often a no-no as well. Normally, a sign has to be clearly displayed to warn people that they are being filmed.
So nanny cams are legal then?
Again, it depends on the state you are living in, and the country you reside in. As a general rule, it could be said that a nanny cam was ok.
You can place a hidden camera on your own property without any concern. You are also able to film people without forewarning them or asking for consent. Yet, only in certain areas of the home. And also without audio.
Recording conversations without permission is a whole other area of the law.
What methods can you use to check for a hidden camera in a mirror?
Now you’re hurrying around your Airbnb looking for hidden cams. You might want to find out the best methods for locating them.
Use a camera detector or bug-finder
There are some signs of being on the lookout for hidden cameras. But, before you read those below, here is one way to locate a hidden camera.
Just like in the movies, bug sweepers and camera detectors really exist. You can buy these from tech and spy stores online very easily. These devices can pick up on radio frequencies, plus other signals, including GPS, GSM, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
This means any hidden devices can be easily located, whether they are in a mirror or not.
Do the tap test on the mirror
To install a camera behind a mirror requires some space. Therefore, you may be able to test if there is a hidden cavity by tapping the mirror.
Simply tap against the glass and listen to the sound it makes. If there is a hollow sound then there is a possibility there is something behind it. If this happens you can try the next methods to prove yourself right.
Check how the mirror is fitted
You can do this one before you tap the mirror in all honesty. If you have a loose-fitted hanging mirror then you should be free from prying eyes, or cameras. If it is screwed into the wall, there is the possibility something is behind it.
If it is actually fitted into the wall, then it would seem a bit more suspicious. Not many people fit mirrors into walls.
Try looking through the mirror
Turn off the lights in the room and go up to the mirror. Put your face right up to the glass and use your hands to block out any light from your eyes. You may be able to glimpse through the mirror.
Use a mobile app
There are some good screen recorder apps now, plus great photo editing applications. However, did you know that there are also apps to detect hidden cameras?
The reliability of these apps varies, but they promise to detect hidden cameras in rooms within certain ranges. As you are checking mirrors specifically, you should have no problem with range.
Some of these apps are free too, although some are to be paid for. Check reviews for effectiveness first.
What should you do if you find a hidden camera?
Firstly, cover it up. With a mirror camera, this should be easy enough. Hang a cloth of some kind over the mirror.
Your next action will depend on where you found the camera. If it is on your own property, then call the police. If it is on someone else’s property, then you will have to refer to the advice above.
For example, if you rented an Airbnb and found a hidden camera in the living room, it would be creepy, but it might not be illegal. By all means, call the police, but the only recourse you have then may simply be to complain to Airbnb, depending on the laws in that state.
Summary
Hopefully, you will never find a hidden camera anywhere you go, and certainly not on your own property. If you do suspect there is one behind a mirror, then you can try the above steps to locate it. Once you do, then your course of action will depend on where the camera is, and where you are yourself. Calling the police should clarify the matter, but in the meantime, cover the camera up.
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- Category: Technology
Posted by Dragan Sutevski
Dragan Sutevski is a founder and CEO of Sutevski Consulting, creating business excellence through innovative thinking. Get more from Dragan on Twitter. Contact Dragan