‘No More Hidden Cameras’ Startup Preventing Digital Sex Crimes

Detecting and Analyzing Various Hidden Cameras with Deep Learning, Sharing Discovery Locations and Registering on Map
Card with Infrared Detection Function Allows Direct Verification, Reducing Anxiety

Due to the recent surge in digital sex crimes targeting women, applications and products aimed at preventing such crimes are being released. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Recently, as digital sex crimes such as illegal filming (hidden cameras) and distribution targeting women have surged, applications and products designed to prevent these crimes are attracting attention.

Video detection technology startup Espresso has introduced an AI-based app called ‘Lily’s Map’ that detects illegal hidden cameras. ‘Lily’s Map’ detects illegal cameras using deep learning technology and augmented reality. The app, trained with images of various small cameras through deep learning, identifies suspicious images of illegal cameras when users scan a space with their phone camera. As detection results accumulate, the app self-learns to improve accuracy, and the detection results are displayed on a map and can be shared, providing an additional preventive effect against further harm.

Although hidden camera detection apps have existed before, they relied on magnetic field detection, making it difficult to detect small cameras. ‘Lily’s Map’ supplements the limitations of existing apps by adding deep learning technology to the traditional magnetic field detection function.

Son Donghyun, CEO of Espresso, said, “We aim to develop technology that can detect hidden cameras with just a mobile phone in various spaces such as lodging facilities and restrooms,” adding, “Since the app is easy to use and allows information sharing, we hope it will enable the prevention of digital sex crimes in advance.”

Detecting illegal cameras using Molguard. The white sparkling dot indicates the location of the hidden camera. Photo by wadiz

For those who find app usage difficult, a card-type hidden camera detection product that is easy to use has also been developed, enhancing crime prevention effects. The product of the same name, released by startup Molguard, is a red plastic card the size of a credit card that is placed over a smartphone camera. The name combines ‘molka’ (hidden camera) and ‘guard’ to signify its purpose.

Molguard, which adopts the principle of an infrared detector, uses the approximately 700 nm wavelength emitted by the smartphone’s flash LED to reflect light coming from illegal cameras, making it appear as a white dot on the phone screen. Due to its portability and immediate confirmation capability, it has become a hot topic on social media, especially among female buyers.

As digital sex crimes rapidly increase not only in Korea but worldwide, Espresso and Molguard are currently preparing to expand overseas. Espresso, which secured investment from a Canadian accelerator, plans to enter the North American market. Molguard has also entered the U.S. crowdfunding platform Kickstarter and is receiving positive responses, building various overseas sales channels.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.