"Smartphone-Type Cameras?" Rapidly Advancing Illegal Filming Devices... Are There No Measures to Eradicate Illegal Filming Crimes?

Crimes Involving Camera Use for Filming Occur Over 6,000 Annually
Various Miniature Cameras Sold in Smartphone and Power Bank Shapes
Experts Call for Measures to Eradicate Illegal Filmed Content Distribution Market

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Amid a series of illegal filming crimes occurring in women's restrooms and changing rooms, controversy has arisen as illegal filming devices that can be used for such crimes are being openly sold. Women are voicing their anxiety over the fear of becoming victims of illegal filming and are calling for urgent measures such as banning the sale of these devices.

Experts pointed out the need for a change in perception that commodifies women's bodies and for regulation of the platform market where illegal filming materials are distributed.

Recently, it was revealed through online communities and social media that 'smartphone-type illegal filming cameras' are being sold. According to the detailed product page posted alongside, the device is designed to look like an Android smartphone, with a camera lens located at the top, allowing filming while lying flat.

In addition, various types of ultra-small filming devices such as water bottles, glasses, pens, and portable batteries are being sold, increasing women's anxiety. It has been pointed out that these devices can be easily purchased both online and offline and are difficult to distinguish from actual items, which could lead to greater harm.

Crimes involving filming using cameras and similar devices occur about 6,000 times annually.

According to the 'Quarterly Crime Trend Report No. 14' released by the Korea Institute of Criminology on the 21st, the number of crimes involving filming using cameras and similar devices was recorded as 6,086 in 2018 and 5,881 last year. Quarterly figures for 2018 were 833 in Q1, 1,440 in Q2, 1,973 in Q3, and 1,840 in Q4. Last year, the numbers were 956 in Q1, 1,294 in Q2, 1,885 in Q3, and 1,746 in Q4.

Recently, male teachers in Gimhae and Changnyeong, Gyeongnam Province, were caught installing illegal cameras in school restrooms. In response, the Ministry of Education plans to conduct a full investigation into the installation of illegal filming cameras in elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide.

Also, on the 20th, illegal filming equipment was found in the women's restroom on the 3rd floor of the annex building of Daedeok District Office in Daejeon, prompting a police investigation. The police arrested a male public official in his 30s, identified as A, affiliated with the district office, after analyzing CCTV footage within the office. It was reported that a public official discovered a camera installed inside a toilet paper case and reported it to the district office and police.

Photo by Yonhap News

As a result, women unanimously called for regulation of the sale and distribution of such ultra-small cameras and similar devices.

A 30-year-old office worker, A, said, "Illegal cameras have been found even in public institutions like schools and district offices. I don't think workplaces are safe," adding, "Unless I'm at home, I always feel anxious."

She continued, "Illegal filming crimes occur almost daily, and if the sale and distribution of cameras clearly intended for illegal filming are not banned, these crimes will continue," adding, "If banning sales is difficult, related laws should be enacted to prevent recurrence of similar crimes."

B, a 24-year-old university student in Seoul, also said, "There have been cases where 'molka' (hidden cameras) were found in school restrooms," raising her voice, "Many unspecified women are exposed to environments where they can become victims of such sexual crimes, yet there are still no related measures."

She said, "Even if banning sales is realistically difficult, efforts should be made to protect victims," adding, "We have created a social atmosphere that is lenient toward sexual crimes until now, so we must take responsibility at least now."

Experts suggested that measures are needed not only to regulate illegal filming devices but also to eradicate the distribution market.

Kim Yeo-jin, Director of Victim Support at the Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 23rd, "Controlling illegal filming devices themselves is not necessarily close to addressing the essence of this violence," explaining, "Even if regulations are imposed, distribution can still occur by evading them, so we need to look at 'why those people want to use such devices to film and distribute in the first place.'"

Director Kim emphasized, "This is because there is a market that commodifies women's body images beyond sexually consuming women," adding, "A cultural movement to reassess the perspective on women's bodies and a platform regulation movement to eradicate the distribution market are necessary."

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