Prototype device detects hidden cameras in 5 seconds for travel privacy

A smartphone add-on developed by South Korean and Singaporean researchers can identify hidden cameras in hotel rooms and rentals with 94% accuracy — but remains a lab prototype.

SweepLED, a smartphone add-on device created by KAIST and Singapore Management University, uses 15 embedded LEDs to scan objects in 5 seconds per check. It achieves 94% detection accuracy when tested on 30 different items, including camera-containing objects. The tool targets hidden camera risks in travel settings like hotel rooms and rentals, using angle-based reflection analysis to reduce false positives. Currently a prototype with no commercial deployment, it was presented at ACM MobiSys 2026. This technology could help travelers avoid privacy breaches but requires real-world validation beyond controlled testing. The device costs approximately $7 and addresses a critical privacy gap in scenarios where hidden cameras are common. Source material does not confirm commercial availability or real-world performance beyond lab conditions.

Source: New Atlas