Buying smartphones from AliExpress has become dangerous. Take them out of the room at night

^{Photo: Gizmochina}

Alarming stories have emerged online about modified smartphones being sold online. Details collected in Gizmochina.

According to the source, these smartphones are no different in appearance from any others. However, there is an unpleasant “surprise” hidden inside – a mini-camera that shoots video. It is noted that video recording is carried out even if the smartphone is in standby mode or completely turned off.

The modification is simple: criminals transfer the front camera to the smartphone’s headphone jack (if it has one), and then install hacker software so that the camera constantly films. Many budget Android devices, as well as iPhone 6S and older, are equipped with a 3.5 mm port, which are often ordered from AliExpress in refurbished condition. China is currently experiencing a surge in sales of such devices.

^{Photo: Gizmochina}

Some sellers explicitly label their product as a smartphone with a hidden camera and position this as an advantage for quietly spying on other people. However, they may well sell you such a device without your knowledge and spy on you. Moreover, by ordering a smartphone with such a modification from AliExpress, you risk your freedom, because Russian legislation prohibits devices for hidden surveillance.