Gadgets Spying On You.

[BobbyBobBob]

Can anyone settle an argument I'm having with someone. He seems to think that if you have a front facing camera on your phone or tablet or laptop you can be spied on when online and watching videos on sites like YouTube. Is he correct?

[Hopkirk]

Absolutely true

http://www.businessinsider.com/97-arrested-for-spying-through-webcams-2014-5

[Jomlett]

I have a spot of Blue tac covering my frontfacing camera!

[bibblebub]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22967622

Laptop webcam hacking might be happening but it's unclear whether it's more than just isolated instances.

[Old_Geezer]

Surely only if you've allowed malware onto your camera/computer too ?

[Daffy6543]

He is correct. I have a post-it note over my laptop webcam at all times.
It can only happen if your device has been hacked/virused though.

[hc4361]

My desktop pc has a built in sliding cover for the webcam so that can't happen.

[tamborine]

I get skyped & the webcam auto displays, on Windows 8. A sticky label over lense has fixed it......absence makes the heart, n all that ;)

[DaisyNonna]

What would be the point?
Checking if my hair needs a trim?

[Bathsheba]

This has shocked me! I had no idea, honestly!! Hunting for post-it labels as I type this...:(

x x

[Hypognosis]

Somewhere in Control Panel-Hardware or equivalent, you should be able to find a button or tickbox where you can deactivate the camera when not in use.
Check this setting regularly and, if reactivated without your involvement then there may be malicious software may be present.

Allow for human factor, i.e. stop others using your machine for a week in case they ate Skype-ing while your back is turned!