Discovered a live public webcam feed showing a child’s bedroom and reached out to Rogers ISP—yet they showed no concern. What steps should I take next?

Handling a Disturbing Discovery: Public Webcam Stream from a Child’s Bedroom

Recently, I encountered a concerning situation while browsing online. I happened upon a public webcam feed broadcasting from a child’s bedroom, accessible to anyone. Disturbed by this discovery, I took immediate action and contacted the internet service provider, Rogers, hoping they could rectify the situation. Unfortunately, my initial outreach failed to yield any results, leaving me searching for other avenues to ensure the safety and privacy of the individuals involved.

My Experience with Customer Support

Upon reporting the issue to Rogers’ customer support, I was connected with a representative who was polite yet ultimately unhelpful. After spending over half an hour trying to explain the gravity of the issue, I was disappointed to learn that the only course of action suggested was to contact local authorities or escalate the matter in ways that seemed inadequate. As a father deeply concerned about the welfare of children, I felt frustrated and helpless.

To further clarify the situation, I had discovered the webcam through Shodan.io, a search engine designed to expose security vulnerabilities in Internet of Things (IoT) devices. My intention was clear: to inform the webcam owner—likely unaware of their device’s public exposure—so that immediate steps could be taken to protect their family’s privacy.

Updates and Progress

In a positive twist, the webcam owner was eventually contacted, and the video feed has since been secured with a password. This change came about after reaching out to multiple authorities, including:

  • [email protected]
  • The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
  • The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

I also attempted to reach Canadian authorities directly using the provided phone number, 613-993-7267, although I encountered difficulties. Nevertheless, the subject has since garnered the attention it deserves, and Rogers has escalated the matter to liaise with the webcam owner further.

Community Support

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me through this process. The outpouring of assistance and suggestions from the community has been heartwarming. It’s clear that many people share a deep concern for online safety, especially regarding vulnerable individuals.

Moving Forward

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present in the digital world. It’s crucial for device owners to be aware of their exposure and ensure their settings safeguard their privacy. I encourage you to regularly check your own devices for any potential security

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One Comment

  1. Next Steps to Take When You Discover a Public Webcam Exposing a Child’s Privacy

    If you’ve come across a public webcam feed that appears to be broadcasting from a private space, especially a child’s bedroom, it’s important to act cautiously and systematically to ensure safety:

    • Report to Local Authorities: Continue to escalate the issue by contacting local law enforcement agencies. Provide them with detailed information and any evidence (screenshots, URLs, time stamps).
    • Notify Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Keep following up with the ISP involved (in your case, Rogers). Send documented reports and request that they take immediate action, such as disabling the exposed device or assisting with tracing the source.
    • Alert the Device Owner: Use responsible platforms to inform the owner of the vulnerability, especially if you have identified the device through public search engines like Shodan. Encourage them to:
      • Change default passwords.
      • Update device firmware.
      • Disable remote access if not needed.
      • Secure their network with strong, unique passwords and encryption.
    • Leverage Cybersecurity Resources: Contact organizations such as the

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