Spying device detectors may give domestic abuse victims false sense of security, study finds

Surveillance devices are often marketed as home security or pet tracking tools, but can be misused for spying. Photograph: Pau Barrena/AFP/Getty Images

Commercial detectors intended to help domestic abuse victims find hidden spying devices may actually give them a false sense of security, a study has found.

The consumer detection tools claim to identify hidden cameras, microphones or trackers through methods such as signal-strength readings, infrared lens detection and scanning for wifi or Bluetooth devices.