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Investigation: the great boom in private espionage
Spy cameras and software, accessible to everyone, are increasingly innovative. Are they regulated by law? Investigation. – (France 2)
Spy cameras and software, accessible to everyone, are increasingly innovative. Are they regulated by law? Investigation.
Espionage appeals to many French people. A mother, met by France Télévisions, had doubts about her husband. She opted for a USB key with a built-in micro, which she slipped “in the professional bag of [s]”ex-husband”. She thus learned that he had a mistress.
Aware of the illegality of her method, she nevertheless considers it liberating: she divorced immediately afterwards. This private espionage is accessible to everyone. There are specialized boutiques, which offer watches, glasses and the full range of the secret agent. Prices vary from 70 to 350 euros.
Espionage punishable by law
The sector’s turnover jumped 10% in one year. If sale is authorized, use for espionage is illegal. It is punishable by law with a fine of up to 45,000 euros and one year of imprisonment. In court, recordings have long been refused by judges in civil cases.
The case law evolved a month ago. “It will always be prohibited to carry out espionage without a person’s knowledge. On the other hand, if you are faced with the defense of an interest (…), the Court of Cassation says [qu’]we can study the legality of the evidence provided by unfair means”explains Me Oriana Labruyère, lawyer in digital law.
