You can and should go to the Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil if you find pornographic material on your computer, surveillance cameras in your home without consent, or tracking devices on your car. These are serious matters that involve criminal offenses, and the authorities are equipped to investigate and help protect your rights.
1. Finding Pornography on Your Computer
- If the material involves underage pornography (child sexual abuse material), this is a criminal offense under Spanish law (Código Penal, Arts. 189, 189 bis, and related).
- Even if you didn’t download or create it, possession can have legal implications, but more importantly, it may signal that someone else has used your device for illegal purposes.
- Report it immediately. The police or Guardia Civil’s Unidad de Delitos Tecnológicos (Technological Crime Unit) can investigate the source, trace who accessed or uploaded the files, and secure the evidence.
2. Surveillance Cameras in Your Home
- Unauthorized surveillance in private spaces is a violation of your privacy rights (Ley Orgánica de Protección de Datos – LOPD, and Penal Code).
- Hidden or unauthorized cameras installed without consent can be evidence of illegal spying, harassment, or abuse.
- Report these to the police or Guardia Civil. They can confiscate devices, analyze recordings, and take steps against the perpetrators.
- This type of evidence is strong and admissible in court if collected properly.
3. Trackers on Your Car
- GPS or tracking devices installed without your knowledge or permission can constitute stalking, harassment, or invasion of privacy (Código Penal, Art. 172 ter and related).
- Police and Guardia Civil can locate, remove, and analyze these devices.
- Tracking data retrieved can be powerful evidence to demonstrate stalking or other offenses.
- Be sure to report your concerns as soon as you find such devices.
🔑 Important Steps When You Discover Such Evidence:
- Do not tamper with or remove devices unnecessarily — preserving the integrity of evidence is critical.
- Document the discovery carefully — take photos, note dates and times, and write down what you found and where.
- Report immediately to the police or Guardia Civil—specifically request the Unidad de Delitos Tecnológicosfor tech-related cases.
- Provide any supporting information—for example, suspicions, dates, or persons involved.
- Consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and protections.
- If you feel unsafe, ask for protection measures (restraining orders, police patrols, etc.).
⚖️ Can This Evidence Be Used in Court?
Yes. When handled properly by law enforcement:
- Digital evidence like files on a computer can be forensically analyzed to confirm origin, timestamps, and access history.
- Surveillance footage can be used to prove harassment, stalking, or other crimes.
- Tracking devices and their logs can show patterns of stalking or unwanted surveillance.
- All this can become critical evidence in criminal investigations and trials.
🧠 Psychological Note
Discovering such violations of privacy can cause significant distress, fear, and trauma. It’s essential to seek emotional support, whether from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals specialized in trauma or abuse.
