Wednesday, September 18, 2013

What Punishment for Webcam Spying Is Appropriate



            For this week's blog we have been assigned the task of discussing web cam spying. Should it be illegal if so what should the punishment be? How much privacy should one expect in a public place?
            I think recording a person without there knowledge should definitely be illegal. Using a web cam to view a person without their knowledge is a form of voyeurism. I know I would feel completely violated if it happened to me. In the book it brings up a school loaning laptops to kids. The laptops had security software to take photos in case of theft. The laptops ended up taking over 66,000 photos of students. How would you feel if this was your child? Why was the software taking photos if the laptop was not reported stolen? What is the difference between spying on someone through their bedroom window or on their web cam?
            It is my opinion that punishment for cyber voyeurism should be similar that of a peeping tom or a more traditional voyeur. When you participate in crimes of this nature weather you mean to or not you are taking away a since of security. You are going into an individual's private space uninvited and striping away their since of safety. You are threatening there since of control in their own home.  
            I feel a little differently about being recorded in a public place. If you are in a public place your expectation of privacy is limited. Anyone can see what you are doing and who you are with. I don't think it is OK to stalk someone or hound them every time they come out of a door but if you happen to be caught in a photo or a video by chance I don't see a major issue with it.  

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