Version 109: How I Discovered a Public Webcam Feed of a Child’s Room and Received No Help from Rogers Support – Next Steps?

Title: Addressing Public Webcam Privacy Concerns: A Cautionary Experience

In the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), privacy violations can occur in the most unexpected places. Recently, I found myself in a troubling situation that highlights the importance of online safety, particularly when it pertains to children.

While exploring Shodan.io, a search engine for connected devices, I inadvertently stumbled upon a public webcam feed broadcasting from a child’s bedroom. The IP address indicated that the owner was a customer of Rogers, a major internet service provider in Canada. Concerned about the potential invasion of privacy, I decided to reach out to Rogers’ customer support for assistance.

My initial conversation with first-level support yielded little hope. After lengthy explanations and waiting, the representative transferred me to a supervisor. Unfortunately, the response was underwhelming; I was advised to contact authorities, either in Austria or Canada. As someone who works in IT, I found it frustrating that a potentially serious privacy issue was being brushed off.

After my exchanges with Rogers, I made separate attempts to notify relevant authorities. My outreach included contacting [email protected], the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. I also tried to reach Canadian authorities using the contact number listed on Rogers’ website but faced challenges in getting through.

Updates on the Situation

Fast forward to January 26, and there was significant progress! The webcam owner was contacted, and the video feed is now password-protected, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot access it. Moreover, I received communication from Rogers indicating that they have escalated the issue and will reach out to the webcam owner directly.

I am grateful for the support I have received from the community and those who offered assistance. It’s heartening to witness such vigilance regarding online privacy.

Moving Forward

This experience has driven home the importance of being proactive about digital privacy. If you ever encounter similar situations—public webcam feeds or other privacy concerns—do not hesitate to take action. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Contact the Service Provider: If you identify a public stream that raises concerns, reach out to the respective Internet Service Provider.

2. Reach Out to Authorities: If you’re met with resistance, escalate your concerns to local privacy officials or cybersecurity bodies.

3. Spread Awareness: Utilize forums and social media to