Suit against PC renter raises privacy questions

The Mike · May 4, 2011

Here is a blurb:

....allegations appear in a federal lawsuit alleging that the firm, Atlanta-based Aaron's Inc., loaded computers with spyware to track renters' keystrokes, make screenshots and even take webcam images of them using the devices at home. The suit filed by a Wyoming couple Tuesday raises anew questions of how invasive custodians of technology should be in protecting their equipment.

The manager tried to repossess the computer because he mistakenly believed the Byrds hadn't paid off their rent-to-own agreement. When Brian Byrd showed the manager a signed receipt, the manager showed Byrd a picture of Byrd using the computer — taken by the computer's webcam. Byrd demanded to know where the picture came from, and the manager "responded that he was not supposed to disclose that Aaron's had the photograph," the lawsuit said.

LINK: https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110504/ap_on_re_us/us_rental_computer_spyware

So, this topic is fresh in the media considering the recent issues with Sony and privacy there. Does a company have rights to do this? It seems like there isn't much legal protection for the consumer the way the article reads...

darthviper107 · May 4, 2011

Yeah, that would be illegal. However, I think if they wanted to, they could add a thing in the rental agreement where they could do that. But since it looks like they didn't, that's an invasion of privacy.

Darth Cruel · May 4, 2011

I don't know if it is illegal or not. But sure as hell is immoral.

On a side note, it reminds me of a story where a girl had her laptop stolen and a friend who knew it was stolen called her to tell her that someone was on-line with the computer. She used Back-to-my-Mac. To activate the built-in Webcam and get a photo of the guys which led to their arrest.

Cool stuff there, if you ask me. I like having the ability to do that kind of thing...but it can't be abused like Aaron's did.

https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/10/nyregion/10laptop.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

CelticWarrior · May 4, 2011

That is all kinds of illegal, holy crab cakes this country is going down the pooper.

hoodonit00 · May 5, 2011

There was a high school that gave their students PC's that was doing the same thing. I'm sure whoever was monitoring the PC's was no doubt viewing images that would get you and I arrested.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/18/harriton-high-school-spie_n_467491.html