Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with surveillance

Why does my iPhone phone home when off?

m1ndsurfer — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 02:34:37 -0800

Why (and what) is my iPhone transmitting while switched off? My (Australian bought, legitimately carrier-unlocked, T-Mobile-SIM'd) iPhone 3GS is switched off (hold down top button, swipe red switch on screen) but connected to wall power and sitting on top of a poorly shielded computer speaker. Almost exactly at 5:00am it uttered the characteristic "dit dit de-dit dit de-dit dit de-dit" of a GSM phone chatting to a cell tower. I switched it off ffs, the GSM radio shouldn't be active! What is it sending to the tower and why? I was at a pub the other day with some friends who were spouting conspiracy-theory baloney about how the CIA/FBI/NSA/USDA can track us and listen to our conversations via our iPhones. "Pshaw", I said, "while technically feasible to remotely install an app which starts an iPhone's mic recording and transmits back to a Three Letter Agency with the screen ostensibly off, Steve Jobs has got better things to do with his engineers' time and would tell the TLA to go jump unless it was law in which case I would have heard about it. You tinfoil-hat nutters!"

But then they told me to turn my iPhone off and see if it still transmits once every three hours or so. I've just done the experiment and lo and behold it does. What's going on? Do I need to be paranoid or is there a benign explanation?

My roommate has been watching what I do online- help!

Anonymous — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:17:43 -0800

My roommate has been watching what I do online- help! We are (were?) pretty good friends despite only knowing each other about a year.

As part of an argument, he made an angry reference to my blog, and quoted it. I have never told ANYONE about my blog, NO identifying details are connected to it, and until he said that I didn't know anyone but me had ever looked at it (I mostly just write gibberish there, sometimes I rant about things but again, with NO identifying details).

I asked him how he knew about it and he said "I know everything that goes through my network."

I know he was telling the truth because I had made some of my posts from school, and he pointed out which ones I had made from home.

I know absolutely nothing about computers. I know how to turn it on and use Firefox, and that's it. As far as what kind of network we have, all I know is that it's wireless and he has his own server.

Now I'm completely freaked out. I have no idea as to exactly what he can see. Can he read every email I send? Can he see every website that I go to?

Is there any way to block him from seeing what I do? Is there any way *I* can see what *he* does?

Moving out is not an option for several months.

I'm not afraid of him and he's not usually this weird, I just hate the idea that someone can completely spy on me like this.

What is the name and who is the author of this science fiction short story about a Utopian Transparent Society

y2karl — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:20:03 -0800

After looking everywhere and which a way, I am at a loss. I am looking for a short story with a near future high tech anarchy as background-- something that resembles David Brin's concept of The Transparent Society, Utopian Version, where every body knows everybody else's business--as opposed to, say, Police Surveillance State On Steroids Big Time where Big Brother knows your business and location as in 1984 meets The Minority Report. The story itself in part recounts the life of a young man coming of age in a world where the revolution is over and everyone's life is an open book in document and real time--in this world, teenage men have to find spaces under culverts or abandoned warehouses to stage their fights and duels as all else is on camera, being recorded and provided then to everyone else's examination.

At more than one point, the youth confides in an old man on a park bench. An old man who is a veteran of the recent Revolution, who can remember the penultimate moment of said Revolution as being there when the mountain fortresses of Zurich are breached and battle is joined hand to hand with the Gnomes in the caves beneath their vaults. Or something like that.

As part of the story's later action, said old man/war veteran on the bench draws out his younger companion in conversation and then later posts, to the local or universal public access channel, a not unsympathetic documentary about this youth, his life and his loves, along with supporting documentation and points of view from the all encompassing public record. Which is, as I recall, profoundly embarrassing to this sensitive young man.

The story ends with the report of death of this young man in a duel--which occurs offstage in every sense, at an undisclosed location without camera or microphone, and which is to that young man the only place in the world where a person could be free. Or so I recall now.

No doubt, some of you have had the answer since the opening paragraph but I have yet to find the story of which I speak. And it was a nominee, if not winner, for best short story or novella or something in some year or another. I forget which. I only read it once-- damn, where was I ? The dentist ? --and now I can't find hint not mention of it. Woe is me. Hope me please. What is the title and who wrote it ? I want to re-read it and see how my memory of it compares to the real thing.

I'll be pissed if it's Brin, btw...

Recommend a good IP security camera that does motion detection.

monkeybutt — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:22:34 -0800

Can anybody recommend a good IP surveillance camera that does motion detection internally? I currently have an IP network based surveillance setup using a variety of Toshiba and D-link IP cameras all feeding a windows box running ActiveWebCam. currently the PC and software do all of the motion detection, and it hits the CPU pretty hard depending on how many cameras you have active.

i was wondering if anybody had any [resonably priced...$300-500] camera recommendations that did the motion detection and emailing of images/videos onboard rather than offloading it to a computer.

i've tried some Linksys solutions that had detection built in but the motion detection is spotty and the video quality is horrible.

thanks for any help

What are some pop culture references on seeing and being seen?

MattS — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:08:18 -0800

Looking for pop culture examples of our obsession with seeing and being seen. This can include films, tv/news shows, social experiments, digital platforms/projects, that deal with themes of:

* Witnessing
* Spectatorship
* Surveillance
* Voyeurism
* Performance as reality / reality as performance
* Content creation by an individual that places him as both the subject viewed and producer

Thanks!

I can see you.

greytape — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:14:54 -0800

Why haven't (or to what extent have) prisons embraced video technology? From time to time I hear about prison violence, and it disturbs me. Seems to me that prison fucks people up a lot more than it helps them, and that can't be much good for society.
But I'm surprised that cctv cameras haven't revolutionised prisons. Simply install cameras to cover every square inch of space in the prison, and if any inmate is caught breaking the rules they are taken to solitary confinement. No beatings from the guards, no exceptions. Wouldn't this be a great idea?
We have the ability to construct the Panopticon yet as far as I know, it just hasn't been taken. Am I wrong? Or are my ideas just wildly impractical for a few obvious reasons? And just how are prisons being reformed for the 21st century, or are they not?
Thanks in advance.

Hidden Wireless Driveway Alarm

Ricket — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:06:56 -0800

How can I secretly and wirelessly be informed of cars pulling into my driveway? I need some solution that will allow me to know if a car pulls into my driveway. The detection unit should be very small, preferably hidden in the grass angled up or something similar because there is no cover for at least 15 feet either side of the driveway - not even a mailbox (it's across the street). So the unit would have to be small, or if it's long-range then I could hide it in a bush next to the driveway (and then it could be large).

It also needs to be wireless, a reasonable distance (definitely not line-of-sight).

The receiver needs only to make a sound of some kind when a car is detected. I will be inside with the receiver, and the detector outside, and when a car pulls in I want to be informed.

Oh, also, the detector should probably be battery powered, but please let me know of any that require regular power too. It can be managed, but battery power would be nice.

It would be great if it's cheap too, but I know they are usually expensive so I'm ready to spend as much as it costs.

Thanks!
-Ricket

What are appropriate rates for computer surveillance work?

Jack Feschuk — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:37:08 -0800

I'm currently running a business where I monitor computers for people. I use custom made software that gets by all the anti-malware scanners and through the firewalls. I have been charging $40/hr for the first hour, and $45 for each hour after that. Since most of work may only take 1-4 hours per client I've been told that I'm charging too little. Figures have been thrown at me by friends, family and even clients that I should charge $60, $75 or even $100. What is a fair amount in this business. Yes this involves spying on people at the workplace, churches and spouses. My first question. I've searched mefi for similar stuff and came up empty.

ur paprz pls

papakwanz — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:53:17 -0800

Is the chip in my new Electronic Passport (US) an issue? I'm pretty much opposed to electronic tracking of all kinds. I know that my brand new passport has the little RFID chip or whatever inside it. Without getting too much into wingnut territory, what are the realistic negatives (or positives) to me of this chip? Is there a way to disable/destroy it? Will doing so cause me problems if I travel abroad (specifically, to or from India)?

Safe facebooking

poweredbybeard — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 21:49:01 -0800

Help me practice safe (ie. semi-anonymous) facebooking. I've been devoutly avoiding Facebook. I'm kind of curious to see what it's like, but I'd like to do it in a way that means as little information as possible ends up in others' hands (especially, but not exclusively, those interested in datamining).

I'm told that FB is very proactive, and not entirely forthcoming, about trying to get as much info about you as possible when you sign up/sign in... and also that a rookie might not be aware of all the sorts of information that become public, indirectly or otherwise, when they create an account and start using the site.

Please give me tips/insights in to how to keep a FB account as separate as possible from my actual life, while still being useable.

security camera recording method

Salvatorparadise — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:53:52 -0800

security camera recording method - computer or external device? Hi folks, i live in a bit of a shady neighborhood, not terrible, but not great. Let's just say that opportunists abound, and i have created an opportunity by not having a locking mailbox (which i have just installed). So, my mail has been getting stolen for a few days. I know this because i run an eBay business part time and had some money orders go missing, but were confirmed delivered via tracking number.

So, just for shits and giggles i bought a couple of cheapy wireless security cameras w/audio + IR, and now I have to figure out how i want to record after they go up around the house.

I can go with a security vcr or external, independent dvr, or get one of those cards that go in my computer. I have a 1.7 ghz computer, with a 160 gig hard drive.

I'd love to take advantage of all the bells and whistles that can come with on board computer recording and associated software, but i'm concerned that this will really be a drag on memory and computing power when i'm trying to use the computer for otehr things, like listing ebay, surfing the net, etc.

So i wonder what the best choice is, external, independent unit or something for my computer? Also, how much memory will this hog, say, to record for 24 hours at a decent quality?

Thanks!

The Flintstones Method of Surveillance

spec80 — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 08:13:29 -0800

My parents believe the superintendent is stealing supplies from an apartment they own and are renovating. How do they set up a motion activated camera when there is no internet, no VCR or DVR and leaving a laptop there is unsafe? My parents own an apartment that is in between tenants right now. They are taking the opportunity to do some minor renovations: installing new windows, fixtures, etc. The work is only done on Saturdays and Sundays because it's my dad and his friend. The only people who have the key (locks were changed after last tenant) are my dad and the super. He's starting to notice stuff going missing every week. The most recent being two of the smaller window panes. He wants to set up a camera to take pictures or, if possible with the restrictions, video.

I was reading over the similar threads and they all are connected to their home or business where they have access to computers and larger equipment. This apartment does not have internet or phone set up. If he puts an old laptop or other equipment there, he fears it's going to get stolen as well. I'm pretty sure he can hide a camera amongst empty boxes. Is there a camera that is motion activated that can take pictures while saving it to a memory stick or USB key that can be retrieved later?

Best way to make a car-cam and (hopefully) avoid police malfeasance

bulanjing — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:12:59 -0800

What is the best way to make a car-mounted camera system, a la Brett Darrow? Just saw the video of Brett Darrow's encounter with a couple of crazy cops, and want to follow suit.

What's a cost-effective way for me to have a similar set-up? I don't have thousands of bucks to spend and I'm thinking DIY, anyone done anything like this or know anyone who has?

Surveillance system recommendations

Raichle — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 14:25:23 -0800

Can anyone recommend a surveillance system with 6-8 cameras and a DVR that is internet ready? This is for a small business, so we want to keep the cost around $1500 or less. One concern is that employees could turn it off so it would be important to have it password protected. Thanks in advance

NSA Surveillance in Las Vegas for Extortion

destro — Thu, 17 May 2007 13:20:13 -0800

Was there a story a year or two back about Patriot Act/NSA/FBI surveillance in Las Vegas being used for extortion against a casino? I distinctly remember something about it but can't find anything.

Help me record construction, Benny Hill style

cosmicbandito — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:58:03 -0800

I need a network web cam to capture video from a construction site. Your advice and experience is appreciated. Requirements: must be both wireless and RJ45 enabled, web accessible, (not necessarily web aimable). Must be able to record video to a remote PC, preferably in different time lapse increments.

Basically, I need to stick this camera on a network and be able to point users to it. They should be able to view the live camera feed on screen. I also want the video recorded to a remote archive for future use, but as time lapse video to save space. It also needs to support multiple users at once (maybe 3-5 total).

Remote administration and aiming via user name and password would be a nice bonus. If you can think of a better way to do this, please let me know.

Surveillance System Help

Raichle — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:34:30 -0800

I am looking for either high-resolution wireless IP cameras or Video Capture card recommendations and I have a few additional questions. Currently I have a 1 Ghz AMD Athlon comp with 512 MB of RAM running XP pro. This computer currently has a video capture card with 4 BNC cameras attached to it. I am looking to add 4 more cameras and not sure which way to go so I would like some recommendations for either way or products.

Question 1: Can I have 2 video capture cards in one computer without killing it.

Question 2: Can anyone recommend high res wireless cameras?

Question 3: Can anyone recommend an affordable capture card and some high res analog cameras?

Thanks!

Password skullduggery?

Heminator — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:06:59 -0800

A friend of mine might be being spied on... A friend of mine's Hotmail password mysteriously stopped working one day a few weeks back. After some concerted effort she got the Hotmail administrators' attention and got a new passord. She logged into the account once and after that the password again ceased working.

So she then opened a Gmail account this time while trying to sort out the ongoing hotmail account issues. The password on the Gmail account then promptly stopped working after logging in to it just once.

What's going on here? Could this be a technical snafu? Also, my friend is a not-unknown writer in Hollywood which is adding to my paranoia, what with the industry's not torious lack of ethics and the Anthony Pelicanos wiretap scandal. Could someone be using a keylogger program or some other underhanded trick to mess with her? Not that she has any enemies I know of...

Help me find this art installation

Phred182 — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 22:11:07 -0800

Within the past couple of years there was an art installation in London (?) featuring a work that may have been called "Shy Camera." The piece was a security video camera mounted on an arm. When visitors approached, it turned away abruptly. The effect was incredibly anthropomorphic. There was a short clip of its interaction with people.

I can't find the artist, gallery, or link. I'd like to see it again. Of course, what I'd really like to do buy it, license it, or copy it at home--there was something endearing and reassuring about it.

Tin-foil hat - looking for books on surveillance society and the loss of privacy

TheDonF — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 14:17:53 -0800

I've spent the last couple of weeks reading Everyware: The Dawning age Of ubiquitous computing, 1984 and Brave New World and now I'm in full-on tin-hat mode. What I'm after now is recommendations for books on government and surveillance, privacy and the loss off and so forth. Looking on Amazon, most of the books seem to have been written in 2000/2001, but I'd much prefer more up-to-date books as so much has happened in the intervening years. Bonus points if the books have a UK-slant. What's worth reading to make me further want to live in a cave, poke out my eyes and cut off my finger prints?

Legality of public restaurant unmarked audio/video surveillance

hincandenza — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 14:57:32 -0800

What are the (US/WA/Seattle) laws regarding video, and audio, surveillance in a restaurant- of both employees and customers? There's a restaurant/bar I go to where all but hidden into the ceilings (you can see them, but only if you look really hard, and know what you're looking for- I never noticed them until an employee pointed them out, and the restaurant is quite dimly lit by design) are little webcams all over the place. They cover the kitchen area and employee-only areas, apparently, but also most of the main dining area and the bar space itself. In addition, an employee there told me there is audio surveillance as well in at least the main bar area, and that the owner is able to watch and listen to them from home. There are no posted signs at least publicly suggesting these cameras, much less any microphones, are around.

Is this legal? Even if legal for the employees to be monitored with both video and audio surveillance- workers tend to have very limited rights in this regard, from what I saw in searching- is it legal for the audio and video recording to be in place in a restaurant with no posted warnings? While it's a public place, I would think there's a reasonable expectation of privacy on the part of the customers that their conversations and actions while dining won't be recorded, and the cameras (much less microphones) in the public areas should at least be advertised or made clear to those dining there.

eye spy

striker — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 13:55:50 -0800

Video security for gated first level parking garage (condos are above the garage). How can I do this easily and cheaply? Are the options to have a camera hooked to a vcr or to a computer? Is there a better way so that we don't have to have electronics beyond the camera? Is there some sort of internet company that we could store the last 2 days or 24 hours worth of video and access as needed using some internet connected camera? What camera do we use? I would like not to have to rely on a homeowner or hoa maintained computer. Help!

What are the options for monitoring for our homeowners association? We aren't looking for real time security, but the ability to see what happened last night or yesterday. Right now, we're looking at one camera in one building, later 3 cameras 3 buildings.

Can a Landlord Legally use Security Cameras for Petty Purposes?

Blingo — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 13:12:21 -0800

Anyone know the laws regarding video surveillance in apartment complexes? My crazy landlord has taken to using security cameras in the commons area to harass tenants... Our complex got a new live-in manager a couple months ago. Since then the mailbox area has been inundated with trash because the landlord doesn't like emptying trash cans used for junk mail. I came home recently and noticed the trash cans were gone. Assuming new trash cans were on the way, I put my junk mail on the top of the mail boxes, expecting others to continue the stack until new trash cans arrived. Within 20 minutes the landlord taped the mail to my door with a bitchy note. I was livid, and taped it to his door with a note to "Junk Mail Matlock" listing several problems more important than this one. He then put a long rambling rant in the commons area with a list of completely new rules and demands, with plenty of caps, underlines, and exclamation points. He demanded all improperly stored items be removed within 48 hours - (without any time stamp). He also threatened "YOU ARE BEING WATCHED BY VIDEO CAMERAS!!" Is it legal or proper for a landlord to use a security system to monitor the habits of law-abiding tenants? Isn't this an improper use of a security system? Can you suddenly give 48 hours notice on a new policy? This guy is a piece of work, and this only scratches the surface, but I have a copy of his rant and I'm wondering if he's breaking any laws by using a security system for petty purposes.

Can I be an audio voyeur?

forallmankind — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 13:58:19 -0800

In the movie The Conversation, Gene Hackman has a sonic surveillance device (a directional microphone?) which, when pointed at distant people, enabled him to tune in to their conversation. This made me think how interesting it could be to own such a device and use it to tune in to conversations other people are having in their car as you pass them on the freeway. Is this possible?

Is it legal for a employer to spy on employees?

Nik_Doof — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 10:40:59 -0800

UKWorkFilter: My employer is starting to place a lot a surveillance cameras around the building, with the possibility of spying on employees... Is this legal? Recently my employer has been cracking down on the company rules. We've had meetings and emails outlining exactly what the rules are and what is expected of us. Added to this the rumored appearance of small surveillance cameras in the store and disappearance of many of them a few days later.

I'm starting to feel uncomftable as when this sort of action happend in my last employement there was a mass culling of employees on disiplinary grounds in a attempt of side-stepping redunancy packages. While i'm not in breach of any company rules i feel my privacy is being breeched. My mind, body and soul belong to the company while i'm in the building...

My question is: is there any requirement for the employer to notify us that we're under surveillance, or would it be covered by a standard contract of employment? Also what right would they have to use it in any disiplinary proceedings?