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submitted 11 months 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 7 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

Do you sue gun sellers for when people use their guns for illegal activities?

What about computer retailers?

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 16 points 11 months ago

Completely missing the point. It was very clearly being advertised to be used in this way, and it was approved by amazon. It would only be comparable if gun manufacturers were advertising "a drug dealer will never notice you're carrying it" or something similar.

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months 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 8 points 11 months 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 4 points 11 months 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 7 points 11 months 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.

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago

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

Can you cite where you're getting this information from?

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 7 points 11 months ago

Before I do this. . .are you saying you think it might be legal to film someone without their consent when they are using your bathroom?

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago

No, I'm asking for a source for your information.

That's why I asked if you can cite where you're getting your information from.

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 5 points 11 months ago

No

So you realize it's illegal, but also need me to cite that it's illegal?

The reason I'm hesitant is that it's a complicated question that is going to be different based on jurisdiction. IANAL, but do have an interest in interpreting law. However, I certainly have zero experience with Brazilian law. So this could turn into a wild-goose chase of me learning Brazilian law for no reason. . .when we both realize that filming someone in your bathroom without their consent is illegal.

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago

when we both realize that filming someone in your bathroom without their consent is illegal.

Well, you just said "it’s a complicated question that is going to be different based on jurisdiction."

If it's not illegal in the jurisdictions this product is being sold, then your 'it's illegal' argument holds no water. Hence why I asked you to cite where you're getting your information.

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 4 points 11 months ago

Yes, it's complicated because I would have to answer the question multiple different ways. Like 2 party consent states are going to be different than 1 party consent states. And every state is going to be slightly different, with Brazil also being different.

But it seems like we agree: it's illegal to film someone in your bathroom without their consent. So why the busy-work exercise?

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

But it seems like we agree: it’s illegal to film someone in your bathroom without their consent.

Under what jurisdiction? You seem to be ignoring this very important fact.

Just admit you don't know whether it's illegal instead of pretending you do.

Or, you can cite where you're getting your information like you should have done from the very beginning.

So why the busy-work exercise?

Seems like you're taking the busy-work route, lol.

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 3 points 11 months ago

Holy shit, are you talking about this case? It's literally in the very first line of the article. I figured that was just a given. Lol my bad for giving you any credit.

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago

Sorry, you changed your initial stance to 'without consent.' That's a very important distinction to make, because having a hidden camera in your bathroom is not in itself illegal.

Unless you can cite something otherwise.

This is exactly why most retailers aren't responsible for their products being used in an illegal manner.

I suggest you re-read the beginning of this comment chain to get a better idea of what we're talking about.

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 2 points 11 months ago

My very first question to you:

Before I do this. . .are you saying you think it might be legal to film someone without their consent when they are using your bathroom?

And you are saying I now "changed your initial stance to ‘without consent.’"

lol. Classic. How about you just admit you're wrong?

[-] DevCat@lemmy.world 5 points 11 months ago

For example, Michigan law (MCL 750.539(a) and MCL 750.539(d)) makes it unlawful to “install, place, or use in any private place, without the consent of the person or persons entitled to privacy in that place, any device for observing, recording, transmitting, photographing, or eavesdropping upon the sounds or events in that place.”

Most states have similar laws.

From a video camera manufacturer: https://reolink.com/blog/is-security-camera-in-bathrooms-legal/

In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to install video cameras in bathrooms without explicit consent. Bathrooms are considered private spaces where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

According to the laws passed by some of the states in the U.S. like Alabama, California and Massachusetts, it is unlawful to put video cameras in bathrooms and other private places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

These locations include but are not limited to:

  • Bathrooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Changing rooms
  • Hotel rooms
  • Locker rooms
  • Restrooms
  • Any other places that people may get undressed
[-] SocialEngineer56@notdigg.com 2 points 11 months ago

You do realize just cause it’s called a “towel hook”doesn’t mean it only holds towels, right? Also - towels aren’t exclusively hung in bathrooms.

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 6 points 11 months ago

Yes, I understand that. What that has to do with my point is beyond me, however.

[-] SocialEngineer56@notdigg.com 1 points 11 months ago

I’m pointing out there are legitimate places for a towel hook with hidden camera to be located. Something used for illegal activity is on the onus of the person performing the illegal act, not the manufacturer or distributor of the tool.

If something is only used for illegal activity, then I agree Amazon would have culpability.

No one is blaming the hammer manufacturer or Home Depot for selling a hammer to the guy who attacked Pelosi’s husband. You blame the moron for being a trash human. Same is true here - there are legitimate uses of a towel hook camera. Placing one in the bathroom is not one of them, and the person who placed it there is the only person at fault.

[-] EatATaco@lemm.ee 2 points 11 months ago

No one is blaming the hammer manufacturer or Home Depot for selling a hammer to the guy who attacked Pelosi’s husband.

Again, missing the point. Go back and read my first post.

[-] DevCat@lemmy.world 13 points 11 months ago

If you advertise your product specifically for doing something that is inherently wrong, yes.

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 4 points 11 months ago

Inherently wrong, or illegal? I'm just going to assume you mean 'illegal' because what's right and wrong is subjective.

What did they advertise that was illegal?

[-] AlijahTheMediocre@lemmy.world 3 points 11 months ago

There's no justification that can be made in good faith for a camera designed to look like a bathroom towl holder. There just aint

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 4 points 11 months ago

Okay. Did they advertise anything illegal though, which is what this lawsuit is about?

[-] AlijahTheMediocre@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago

What part of a camera made to look like a towl holder advertised as being easily hidden isn't illegal?

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 5 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

The fact that you're allowed to have hidden cameras on your property, even in the bathroom.

Unless you can cite something that says otherwise?

[-] Mustard 5 points 11 months ago

Incident occurred in West Virginia

""" WV Code §11-9-9 : Aiding, abetting, assisting or counseling in criminal violation.

Any person who shall knowingly aid or abet or assist or counsel another person in the commission of any act prohibited by this article, whether or not such act is with the knowledge or consent of the person required by law to do the act, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, or imprisoned in the county jail not more than six months, or both fined and imprisoned.

""" The court will determine whether or not the marketing is sufficient proof that the plaintiff knowingly aided another in the commission of this crime.

[-] chitak166@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago

Holy shit, a source!

Thank you! You're the only one who provided any legal insight into this legal discussion, lol.

this post was submitted on 07 Dec 2023
408 points (100.0% liked)

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