Spy gadgets for sale despite ban
Manama : Despite a ban on spy gadgets in the country like pen camera and key chain camera, they are being sold in online portals and social media at affordable prices.
These gadgets which are capable of spying the world and intruding into the personal life of people has been found to be widely sold through electronic shops, malls, social media and other online shopping pages.
Amongst the list of spy gadgets, the spy camera is widely used as the size of the camera is that of a flyspeck which can be set up anywhere. The wireless version of this spy camera is generally preferred as it is easy to disguise.
DT News reporter posing as a customer, contacted a dealer who revealed that he has sold over 80 such cameras in Bahrain. He says that though the selling of such gadgets are illegal, there is no problem in using it.
Ministry of Interior, Customs Affairs confirmed to DT News that all kinds of spy gadgets are strictly banned and not allowed to be imported into the country. The Ministry also warned distributors against selling unauthorised gadgets which include hidden spy cameras, jammers and other electronic equipments.
Camera is one piece of technology which has shrunk down to minuscule size from what it was used to be. However, these tiny gadgets can expose one’s private life if camouflaged and undetected.
DT News:- I saw an advertisement on Facebook regarding a spy camera. How much does it cost?
Dealer: - If you buy a single piece, I can give you for BD12, but if you go for more, I can give you a good discount.
DT News:- Is this banned in Bahrain and can I use it? Can I get a guarantee for this product?
Dealer: - The import is banned in Bahrain; but there is no problem in using it. The product is from China, and I have sold more than 80 cameras in Bahrain. I haven’t got any complaints yet.
DT News:- How is the delivery of the product and do you have a shop?
Dealer: - It is illegal to sell in open market so I do not have a shop. If you can send me your number, I can Whatsapp the location so that you can collect the product.
Mohammed Ali Hamza, An executive
“According to me, the problem of spy camera is mainly faced by girls/women. We as guys are least bothered when we check in to a hotel or attending a social gathering. But, on the other hand, if we are accompanied by our sisters or wife, we have to take extra-care of detecting these spy gadgets since they are tiny and unnoticeable. I recommend a strong ban on these products in the country”
Dr Jassim Haji, Director of Information Technology, Gulf Air
“These gadgets are high-risk items for people privacy and are often misused by the people. The risk exposure has exponentially grown due to the easy availability of these gadgets over the internet and also their ease of use. In certain cases, the users need no formal technical knowledge to use this gadget. All they have to do is just charging the gadget and record hours of video/audio and transferring the same to a PC with a USB cable. According to me, the majority user groups of these gadgets are youngsters who can use them without knowing the consequences and the aftermaths. On certain cases but not always a small prank can lead to huge blackmails and other social evils. Although we have not identified high value reported incidents related to these gadgets in Bahrain, there are some cases reported in other countries”
Richard Merkis
“Spy gadgets are a threat to families. These gadgets invade involve in our family and destroy the harmony. As a matter of fact, some of western countries use this for security purpose. For example, working mothers use it to monitor their children or even their housemaids. The real question is the purpose of using these gadgets”
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