The 21st century has witnessed unprecedented development in science and technology. This progress has accelerated the transition from an industrial society to an information-based one, resulting in a qualitative leap in all aspects of social life.

We are living in times when we are monitored step by step through modern technology, not only in our own country but all over the world. The technological advances of recent years have made personal privacy and the security of confidential information increasingly vulnerable.

In addition to the undeniable safety benefits that video cameras offer, they can also be used to invade private spaces. Various types of cameras are now available, which can be installed quickly and controlled from short distances.

Unlike standard video cameras, hidden cameras—often referred to as spy cameras—are designed to monitor people, rooms, locations, or other areas of interest.

These surveillance devices have undergone many changes in recent years and have become:

• much more affordable;

• more efficient due to modern technology;

• smaller in size;

• easier to conceal.

 

Detecting Hidden Cameras

When a tourist books a hotel room or an entire accommodation unit (such as a guesthouse or a cabin), one of their main expectations is privacy. Recently, the number of cases where hidden cameras were discovered in accommodation units has increased alarmingly.

In such situations, guests should remain vigilant and attentive to avoid unpleasant surprises. A hotel manager or host (in the case of guesthouses) who installs hidden cameras to record compromising footage of guests violates a fundamental human right.

Tourists who want to thoroughly check their accommodation can use several methods to detect hidden cameras, most of which involve the use of special technical equipment.

A hidden camera detector works using technology developed for military use, which identifies the light emitted by the LED components of spy cameras. These devices can be used both indoors and outdoors.

All hidden camera detectors are battery-operated. An important aspect is battery life, and therefore detectors with rechargeable batteries are recommended. Although more expensive, they offer 8–10 hours of autonomy and are much more efficient.

One of the basic features of a hidden camera detector is the signal filter. On its first use, the device will detect all frequencies in its range. After a brief evaluation, it will determine whether those frequencies are considered safe.

A key function of the detector is sensitivity adjustment, which allows it to detect the signal strength. If it has a high sensitivity level, it will quickly locate surveillance devices and identify the strength of the signal they emit.

 

Main Functions of a Hidden Camera Detector
If enhanced security and error-free recording are desired, it is advisable to purchase a high-quality hidden camera detector with the following features:

• Memory capacity: An efficient detector can store all previous recordings with details such as date, time, location, frequency band, and signal strength;

• Symbols: When a risky signal is detected, it will display a symbol matching the type of device detected—spy microphone or hidden camera;

• Alarm signal: You can choose how the detection of a hidden camera is signaled. This can be an audible alarm and/or a light signal, as well as vibrations;

• Digital signal: A feature that indicates the distance from the surveillance device;

• Headphone port: Allows headphones to be connected so that the audio signal is heard by only one person;

• USB port: Enables automatic storage of all data recorded by the device.

 

Steps for Detecting Hidden Cameras
When entering an accommodation where you suspect hidden cameras may be installed, it is advisable to act normally and avoid giving the impression that you feel insecure.

At first, do not perform any activity or show any document or object that could cause you problems if you are being filmed. It is better to put safety first. For a more thorough check, it is recommended to divide the area and inspect it using the following methods:

1. Identifying high‑risk spots in the accommodation

Any surveillance camera will be placed in a location that allows both concealment and the capture of compromising images that are of interest to whoever is behind the spying operation. In a hotel room or guesthouse, the risk areas that are of interest to an operator are:

• The bed;

• The bathroom;

• The dressing area/wardrobe.

A surveillance camera will usually be mounted at a high level so that it is not noticed at a casual glance.

2. Recognizing Suspicious Points

A general observation of the accommodation unit is necessary to discover decorative elements placed unusually. For example, it would be strange to find identical objects or those without a clear reason, such as:

• Photo frames;

• Wall and table clocks;

• Paintings;

• Speakers;

• Coffee filters;

• Kettles;

• Smoke detectors.

3. Checking Electrical Devices and Other Equipment in the Room

A check of electrical devices in the accommodation space should be carried out: TV, lamps, chandeliers, phone, mini fridge, air conditioner, motion sensors, etc.

To examine the devices, you should:

• Check all indicator lights, including those that do not seem suspicious;

• Inspect unusual power cables in the room;

• Examine light fixtures and their mounting supports;

• Inspect any device of abnormal size;

• Check devices that have multiple openings or holes.

4. Examining Risk Objects in the Accommodation Space

In a hotel with a classic design, a decorative object with modernist influences would not fit the overall style, and for this reason, guests should raise some questions.

Objects used to install hidden cameras include:

• Essential furniture pieces and hanging light fixtures: handles of drawers, supporting legs, and joints between furniture elements should be inspected;

• Ventilation tubes of the air conditioning system in the room: recording devices can be installed even in these spaces;

• Air conditioners: these are the most accessible since they have enough space inside to operate recording devices;

• Paintings: the painting's support and frame must be checked;

• Wall clocks: check the numbers on the dial and the battery compartment;

• Coat hangers: examine every coat hook that looks suspicious;

• Books: open and check their interiors, especially the spines;

• Blinds: inspect each element of the blinds and see if any tracking devices are attached.

Moreover, the weight of suspicious movable objects should be checked.

5. Inspecting Mirrors

There is a possibility that the accommodation unit has mirrors allowing visibility from the inside to the outside but not the other way around. A one-way mirror has a reflective side and another side used by a person in an adjacent room. The principle behind this type of mirror is that the adjacent room must be dark.

Ways to recognize this type of mirror include:

• Turning off the lights in the room and using a flashlight with a strong light source in front of it — if you can see what is behind the mirror, then spying is taking place.

• Touching the mirror with your finger — if there is a gap between your finger and its reflection, it is a normal mirror. Otherwise, if your finger touches its reflection, it is obviously a one-way mirror.

6. Checking the power outlets

All surveillance cameras depend on a power source. They can be powered by:

• Batteries;

• The electrical network.

There are several aspects to consider when surveillance devices are connected to a power source, namely:

• The duration of video surveillance;

• The length of the stay;

• The operator's ability to sneak into the reserved room.

The advantage of cameras connected to the electrical network is that they have a longer operating time.

All outlets in the room will be examined, including TV and internet sockets, to detect any hidden spy cameras or microphones in their openings.

7. Turning off the lights in the room

There are cases where cameras are equipped with LEDs that indicate the device’s status to the operator: recording mode or battery status.

If the installation of the surveillance device was not done properly or professionally and the LEDs are still on, the risk of discovering the camera is much higher.
 

8. Examining the ceiling and walls

The first signs indicating the installation of hidden cameras are: dust, holes in the walls, and traces of plaster. If the room has a ceiling made of panels, there is a possibility that surveillance devices are installed there. They can also be suspended from a false ceiling and lighting fixtures, which can very effectively camouflage any video camera.

9. Assessing the room’s amenities upon booking

It is recommended to compare the amenities listed on the booking platform with those actually present in the room during the stay. Any discrepancies should be reported to the management. For example, the presence of two hairdryers installed in the room or bathroom might raise suspicion. In such cases, the inventory of objects in the room should be checked, which is usually written on a sheet or brochure left in plain sight.
 

Surveillance through wireless micro cameras

During the summer season, hotels and guesthouses are fully occupied by tourists eager to relax, have fun, and enjoy themselves. For safety reasons, tourists choose to install wireless micro cameras to find out:

• who enters the room;

• what their intentions are.

 

Surveillance through hidden cameras

Small-sized video cameras:

• are often used for safety reasons;

• can provide real support in monitoring the activities of children, employees, or clients.

This type of camera has a major advantage — its very small size. Various models are available on the market, integrated into objects such as clocks, keychains, glasses, or pens.

Despite their reduced size, these cameras offer high-resolution quality and can even be used at night. These devices are available in the following versions:

• Wired: These are installed along with DVR systems that allow video signal recording. Their cost is relatively low.

• Wireless: These models transmit recordings directly to a computer, laptop, or smartphone.

 

Detecting Hidden Cameras Using Apps

A hidden camera can be detected quite easily using mobile phone apps—only if the surveillance device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

One of the best-known apps is “Hidden Camera Detector.” The app uses your phone’s magnetic sensors to detect hidden cameras. When it detects one, it triggers a sound alert.
Disadvantage: It has high sensitivity to metals, which may cause false alarms even if there’s no hidden camera nearby.

Another app is “Tiny SVR Came.” It works based on a system that allows sensitivity adjustment for better accuracy in detecting spy cameras. It’s quite useful because it highlights key areas in each room where a hidden camera might be installed—for example:

• the bathroom

• ventilation openings

• light fixtures

• under towels

• even inside the shower.

Legal Procedure After Discovering a Spy Camera

If you discover a hidden camera in a hotel or other tourist accommodation recording you, do not dismantle or damage the device.

The use of such surveillance equipment is considered a criminal offense. Therefore, preserving the evidence and immediately notifying the hotel/guesthouse management and the police should be your top priorities.

The object containing the surveillance device should be covered. It is also advisable to avoid moving in the camera’s line of sight. Most hidden cameras have motion detection and may automatically start recording.