It started as a normal day at the gym…until she saw her own body on TikTok, recorded without her knowledge by someone wearing spy glasses.
That woman isn’t alone.
In 2024, multiple viral stories exposed a disturbing trend: men secretly recording women in public spaces using hidden cameras, often embedded in glasses, hats, water bottles, or even shoelaces. The footage is then uploaded to TikTok, YouTube, and Discord for likes, views, or worse—monetization.
This isn’t just creepy. It’s a direct violation of privacy, and it’s affecting real people in real time.
What Happened
According to a widely shared Irish Sun article and additional reporting from News.com, a woman named Nina discovered footage of herself on social media wearing the same outfit she’d had on during a gym workout days prior. It wasn’t from security footage or a friend’s post – it had been secretly filmed by a stranger wearing camera-equipped eyewear.
No warning. No consent. And no idea it happened until the video was already online.
Why This Matters (Especially for Women Who Live Publicly)
For creators, influencers, founders, and any woman with an online presence, your image is a powerful part of your brand, but that visibility comes with risk.
Hidden cameras and covert filming are now a real threat in everyday environments:
- Gyms
- Cafes
- Events
- Public transportation
- Co-working spaces
It’s not about paranoia – it’s about preparedness. The more public your life is, the more protection you need.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Here are practical ways to reduce your risk of being secretly filmed or having your content posted without consent:
1. Conduct Mini Privacy Sweeps
If you’re in a private or semi-private space (like a changing room, hotel, or AirBnB):
- Use a flashlight to check for hidden lenses in mirrors, smoke detectors, and air vents.
- Listen for faint humming (many small cameras make noise).
- Look for out-of-place objects: alarm clocks, USB chargers, or sunglasses with strange wires.
2. Be Aware of Who’s Around
If someone is oddly angled toward you at the gym, on the street, or at a table nearby and not obviously on FaceTime or taking a selfie – pay attention. Trust your gut. Walk away or report it to staff.
3. Know Your Rights
Laws vary by state and country, but many places prohibit non-consensual recording in private spaces. If you find content of yourself online:
- Report the video immediately to the platform (TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, etc.)
- Take screenshots of the content and user profile
- File a police report if you’re in a location where secret recording is illegal
4. Protect Your Brand
If you’re a creator or public figure:
- Use a watermark on sensitive videos
- Avoid filming in recognizable, live locations
- Work with a brand protection service to monitor for unauthorized use of your content
5. Talk About It
The more we normalize speaking up when this happens, the less power these predators have. Silence protects them—visibility protects you.
Onyx’s Take
At Onyx, we exist to help women protect what they’ve built, from their content to their physical safety.
Whether you’re managing a growing brand or just want to move through the world with more confidence, we’ll help you stay strategic, protected, and in control.
🧠 Want more safety tips?
Download our free guide: 8 Privacy Tips for Women Who Live Publicly
Online safety starts with your connection. NordVPN encrypts your internet traffic and shields your identity—so you can scroll, share, and stream without worrying who’s watching.
