TAIPEI (8/15/2025)– The Consumer Protection Committee has released the results of a May inspection covering 21 hotels in seven cities and counties, revealing that only about half had implemented measures to detect hidden cameras.
The checks, carried out jointly by consumer protection officials and local government teams, included hotels in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Nantou, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Yilan, the Central News Agency reported.
Of the establishments visited, nine regularly conducted hidden-camera sweeps, while two performed such inspections sporadically. Two others claimed to offer the service, but only one was found to meet the promised standard. Hotels that failed to deliver on their claims were told to remove related promotional signs.
Hidden or “pinhole” cameras are often small enough to be disguised in air vents, electrical outlets, or areas near televisions. Detecting them typically involves specialized equipment capable of scanning for signals such as radio waves used in wireless transmissions, according to StrongPi Lab.
The inspections also highlighted other safety concerns. Four hotels were found to be in breach of building safety laws, with violations ranging from unreported hazards to illegal rooftop additions and blocked stairwells. Meanwhile, fire safety lapses were recorded in five hotels, including faulty emergency broadcast systems, curtains lacking flame-retardant certification, and outdated or underpressurized fire extinguishers.
Authorities said follow-up actions will be taken to ensure compliance with safety and consumer protection regulations.
