FBI Can Remotely Operate Laptop Cameras Secretly

Get some tape

Scary. Insane. Ridiculous. Invasive. Wrong. The Washington Post reports that the FBI has had the ability to secretly activate a computer's camera "without triggering the light that lets users know it is recording" for years now. What in the hell is going on? What kind of world do we live in?

Marcus Thomas, the former assistant director of the FBI's Operational Technology Division, told the Post that that sort of creepy spy laptop recording is "mainly" used in terrorism cases or the "most serious" of criminal investigations. That doesn't really make it less crazy (or any better) since the very idea of the FBI being able to watch you through your computer is absolutely disturbing.

Comments

[SQRLSY One]

Time for a piece of duct tape over the camera eye when you are not using it? Thank You, Government Almighty!

[Sevo]

You think that's a joke.
I'd prefer no vid of me go on the web. In order to make sure it didn't happen inadvertently, the lens on my laptop was taped-over the day I bought it.

[CharlotteHaze]

I not only don't think it's a joke, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that all computer monitors secretly include integrated web cams, built into the screen.

I like to flip my monitor the bird every so often, just in case.

[CLamb]

Hardly surprising. It's a technique known to many.

[neoteny]

George Orwell failed to mention in 1984 that Telescreens are installed by the observed themselves.

[parkerbce586]

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[Old Man With Candy]

I can see what she's doing via her webcam. That's really pretty gross. And she should have that mole looked at.

[Thane is a cosmotarian!]

Of course they have the "ability"; private actors have been doing this for years.

[John Galt]

yawn.

First thing I always do with a new computer is physically disable the mic and camera.

Not like it was difficult to see this one coming.

[OneOut]

There was an article in some MSM newspaper several years ago about the FBI busting a semi high level Mafia ring by activating the OnStar in their GM vehicles and recording their conversations. The secret recording held up in court.