Surveillance teddy bears

Apparently, the Munich police has issued a warning concerning "surveillance teddy bears" than can be used to make secret video and audio recordings of their surroundings (link in German):

http://www.minga.de/archives/2006/04/poliz...rnt_vor_ue.html

Weird...

Why issue a 'warning' about Nanny cams?

euro spy shop nanny cam

brick house security spy teddy



The above article mentions 'strafbar' which is 'punishable' in English. I would take the 'punishment' and keep my kid safe from some abusive nanny. Or if I recorded all my girlfriends' activities I would take the punishment that Karma would deal me (ie: Flatliners )

i always wonder if the family i work for has something like this. or if they somehow tape phone convos or who knows what...

I think that the Telecommunications law that the article identifies is related to wireless transmission of the images and sound to a remote television. These particular bears seem to be able to transmit (wirelessly) the images and sound.

If the bear just recorded, and didn't transmit live video, I can't see how that would be illegal. All it is is a video camera hidden inside a bear. It wouldn't be illegal if you just set up a video camera.

It's also againts the privacy and monitoring laws/rules, hince this device (While avail. everywhere) is forbidden in Germany.

Now I know why my teddy bear has a knowing smile on his face all the time...

Do they come in other cuddly animals? Like I think my two lady neighbours (who are rather expressively passionate late at night) may like a cuddly dog as a friendly neighbourly present...