As you probably tried before, webcams role in a computer are not only meant to be only to video conference with some friends; we’ve all tried once or twice to use to spy monitor or supervise a room. Abelcam app is one of the many available, but with one important feature: You can observe your webcam from any browser, including a cellphone.
Abelcam converts your home computer into a server in charge of transmitting the image captured from almost any webcam. And you can receive these images from a browser or using the mobile app.
You only need to install the application in the computer in charge of transmitting, add the device and configure the server options. The rest, you can observe the camera using any browser with FullHTML; where you can also choose from a Java, JavaScript and Silverlight.
Some of the other features available: Zoom, chat session and WMV live streaming.
And you can use the free version!
I honestly don’t know who’s crazier, the school for implementing a policy like this or parents who just accepted it. Basically, Lower Merion School District in Pennsylvania installed a program on all of its laptops which could be used to spy on students.
The program is used to track and trace stolen laptops but could potentially be used to spy on students at home. Basically, if the principal decided to turn on the tracking for a specific laptop (only supposed to be done if the laptop is stolen) then the web cam begins taking pictures and screenshots are also taken. These are then sent back to the principal. What I’m wondering is how this is any different than hacking into someone’s computer, remotely turning on their web cam and spying on them?
The school policies are even more frightening:
- possession of a monitored MacBook was required for classes, and possession of an unmonitored personal computer was forbidden and would be confiscated.
- disabling the camera is impossible
The case is now on its way to court and I hope for the safety of the children, and just their own peace of mind that they can’t be tracked and spied on, this stupid program is abolished.
