If you’ve discovered — or suspect — hidden cameras in your home, that is a serious violation of your privacy and possibly a criminal offence in Spain. Below is a clear explanation of what this means legally, what to do immediately, and how to protect yourself emotionally and practically.
⚖️ 1. Legal overview — Why hidden cameras are illegal in Spain
Spanish law protects the right to privacy, honour, and personal image (Article 18 of the Spanish Constitution).
Installing or using hidden cameras without consent violates this right and is punishable under several laws:
🔹 Penal Code (Código Penal)
Article 197 — Discovery and disclosure of secrets:
- It is a crime to record, film, or listen to a person in a private place without their consent.
- Penalties: 1–4 years imprisonment and fines, increasing if the images are shared or if the victim is a partner or family member.
- If the recordings are intimate or sexual in nature, or shared online, the offence is aggravated with much heavier sentences.
Article 172 ter — Harassment or stalking:
- Repeatedly monitoring, following, or recording someone can constitute harassment.
🔹 Data Protection Law (LOPD-GDD & GDPR)
Even non‑sexual recordings can breach data protection law if personal data (images, sounds, behaviour) are captured without legal basis or consent.
→ You can file a complaint with the Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD).
🚨 2. What to do immediately
- Do not destroy or tamper with the device.
- The camera itself can be valuable evidence (fingerprints, serial number, storage card, etc.).
- Take photos or videos of what you found.
- Record the exact position, appearance, and connections of the camera (without touching it if possible).
- Call the police (Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil) and file a denuncia.
- Explain that you have found a suspected hidden camera in your home.
- Bring the device and any supporting evidence (photos, messages, suspicious activity).
- The police cybercrime unit (Grupo de Delitos Telemáticos) can investigate.
- If you rent or share the property, inform the landlord or co‑occupants — but only after notifying police.
- If you feel unsafe, stay elsewhere temporarily (friend, hotel, family) until the situation is assessed.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in privacy or domestic violence law — they can advise on protective measures and possible compensation claims.
🧠 3. Psychological impact — and how to protect yourself
Being secretly filmed in your own home can deeply affect your sense of safety.
From a neuroscience and trauma perspective:
- Your amygdala (threat centre) may stay in high alert, causing anxiety, sleep issues, and hypervigilance.
- The prefrontal cortex (reasoning area) can go offline when you feel unsafe in your environment.
- Restoring safety is the first step — both physically (secure your space) and emotionally (support, therapy, grounding techniques).
Ways to regulate your nervous system after violation:
- Re‑establish physical control of your environment (change locks, check devices).
- Ground yourself with slow breathing, warmth, movement, and contact with safe people.
- Don’t isolate — connect with trusted friends or professionals for support.
🪪 4. How to file a complaint (denuncia)
You can do this at:
- Comisaría de Policía Nacional (National Police Station)
- Cuartel de Guardia Civil
Bring: - Your ID (DNI/NIE/passport)
- Photos/videos of the camera
- Any communications or proof linking someone to the act
Request that the incident be treated as a privacy violation under Article 197 and ask for an official case number (número de diligencias).
💡 5. If you suspect cameras but haven’t found any yet
- Look for unusual objects — smoke detectors, plugs, clocks, phone chargers, or air‑fresheners that seem new or out of place.
- Turn off lights and use a flashlight to spot reflections from lenses.
- Professionals (private security technicians) can perform a TSCM sweep — a technical check for hidden cameras, mics, or transmitters.
- Check your Wi‑Fi network for unfamiliar connected devices.
