Top court raises concern over illegal surveillance

China's top court, the Supreme People's Court, on Wednesday instructed courts across the country to intensify efforts to combat crimes involving illegal production, sale and use of eavesdropping and surveillance devices to safeguard privacy and information security.

The directive was issued by the Supreme People's Court, China's top judicial body, following a series of cases that highlighted growing concerns about covert filming and unauthorized surveillance.

"Some individuals have installed eavesdropping and covert filming devices in hotels and homestays to invade people's privacy. Others have even provided real-time viewing or sold the content in the form of images, audio or video," the court stated.

Such devices have also been used in other criminal activities, including blackmail, gambling and exam cheating, causing significant harm to information security and public order, the court added.

In one disclosed case, two defendants installed hidden cameras purchased from e-commerce platforms in several rooms across three hotels in Linwu county, Hunan province, in March 2021. The cameras were connected to their mobile phones, enabling them to monitor and record activities in the rooms.

The pair saved videos and screenshots, including footage of individuals engaging in sexual activities, on their phones and laptops. Their actions went unnoticed until Oct 7, 2021, when a hotel guest discovered a camera in their room and alerted the police.

Following a trial, one defendant was sentenced to 15 months in prison, while the other received a 12-month sentence for the illegal use of hidden cameras.

"The defendants' actions seriously disrupted the lives and work of others, violated personal information rights and disturbed public order," the Supreme People's Court stated. It emphasized that the rulings reflect judicial determination to protect individuals' rights and enhance public security.

The court underscored the importance of privacy during travel and urged travelers to remain vigilant. It advised individuals to enhance their self-protection awareness and report suspected instances of covert surveillance to the police promptly.

Additionally, the court called on hotels, homestays and similar accommodations to fulfill their security obligations by conducting regular inspections and implementing measures to minimize risks.

The Supreme People's Court reiterated its commitment to protecting people's privacy and information security, ensuring a stronger sense of safety for the public.