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submitted 1 year ago by DevCat@lemmy.world to c/news@lemmy.world

After a spy camera designed to look like a towel hook was purchased on Amazon and illegally used for months to capture photos of a minor in her private bathroom, Amazon was sued.

The plaintiff—a former Brazilian foreign exchange student then living in West Virginia—argued that Amazon had inspected the camera three times and its safety team had failed to prevent allegedly severe, foreseeable harms still affecting her today.

Amazon hoped the court would dismiss the suit, arguing that the platform wasn't responsible for the alleged criminal conduct harming the minor. But after nearly eight months deliberating, a judge recently largely denied the tech giant's motion to dismiss.

Amazon's biggest problem persuading the judge was seemingly the product descriptions that the platform approved. An amended complaint included a photo from Amazon's product listing that showed bathroom towels hanging on hooks that disguised the hidden camera. Text on that product image promoted the spycams, boasting that they "won't attract attention" because each hook appears to be "a very ordinary hook."

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[-] chitak166@lemmy.world -2 points 1 year ago

It's not illegal to put a hidden camera in your bathroom, though.

Just like it's not illegal to take a gun to the shooting range.

It would only be comparable if gun manufacturers were advertising “a drug dealer will never notice you’re carrying it”

No, it wouldn't. Guns are for shooting just like this camera is for recording. What you shoot and record is what makes their usage illegal.

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 6 points 1 year ago

Guns are for shooting just like this camera is for recording. What you shoot and record is what makes their usage illegal.

Missing the point. They are arguing that this was being advertised for illegal use, and thus they are responsible. The other poster was drawing a comparison by implying that gun manufacturers should be held responsible for when guns are used for illegal purposes. I'm pointing out that it would only be comparable if they were being advertised, even if just clearly implicitly, for illegal use.

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world -1 points 1 year ago

How are these being advertised for illegal use? There's nothing illegal about setting up hidden cameras on your property.

Does the product page specifically state that it's for use on property that isn't yours without permission?

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 5 points 1 year ago

There’s nothing illegal about setting up hidden cameras on your property.

But there is something illegal about filming people in the bathroom on your property without their consent.

this post was submitted on 07 Dec 2023
410 points (98.3% liked)

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