Customers accuse store of using webcam to spy on them!

[user130523]

I just read a news article that really shocked me if its true.

Apparently a US rent-to-lease store, Aaron's, Inc., is being accused of using software to turn their laptops built in webcam's into survilance devices.

According to the article a couple took the laptop back to the store and somehow, most likely accidentally, the worker pulled up a picture of the husband.

It's something I've been actually a bit wary of I'll admit. I don't have a laptop but when I have used my webcam I've always taken it out when not in use, especially after hearing a possible rumour that they where hackable - heard about someone who apparently ended up receiving messages in notepad claiming they where being watched.

If I did get a laptop I'd probably cover the webcam if I wasn't using it, but still the thought of someone in a store watching me is freaky

http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2011/0...in-your-home/?

this happened to me before on my old desktop

i had notepads popping up saying to turn the webcam around etc so i was a bit like what? i then covered the cam and turned it around and noticed it was on - i restored my computer though to factory settings & always removed the webcam when not in use

[Red]

Omg that is beyond creepy!! My friend had her cam hacked into once and she had to stick something over it but the thought of a store spying on you ;/

[AgnesIO]

A school gave all their students laptops?

Year Elevens in my old school all get iPad's next year..

[Red]

Year Elevens in my old school all get iPad's next year..

lmao wth. theres really no need :S

[AgnesIO]

lmao wth. theres really no need :S

I agree - I think it is quite bizarre - half the features you could get on a netbook for cheaper lol

[lRhyss]

I agree - I think it is quite bizarre - half the features you could get on a netbook for cheaper lol

It's because Dom goes to a rich snooty school.

o/t Weired D:

[AgnesIO]

It's because Dom goes to a rich snooty school.

o/t Weired D:

It isn't really that snobby though. I found it quite a bizarre move - there had been talks of laptops etc, but iPad's seem a bit far - and really don't provide as many educational advantages as a Windows machine would.

[Recursion]

It isn't really that snobby though. I found it quite a bizarre move - there had been talks of laptops etc, but iPad's seem a bit far - and really don't provide as many educational advantages as a Windows machine would.

I've seen much debate about iPads in schools, there are some great apps out there for primary schools, but not so much for secondary, IMO Netbooks would suit secondary students more.

[peteyt]

The laptop should be used for school work only.

I agree. And installing stuff on a school laptop to monitor usage would be acceptable. I mean you usually have to sign something to say you won't abuse it e.g. for school computers won't look at inappropriate material, download illegal copyrighted files etc.

However there's a massive difference in watching what sites they go on and actually watching them. For example if their laptop is in their bedroom, which is very likely, and they start to get changed, then the school could seriously be done. It's a bit perverted.

[HotelUser]

Year Elevens in my old school all get iPad's next year..

Your school must have a lot of money to do that!