Big brother to keep an eye on nannies

Residents in the UAE are increasingly turning to nanny cameras to keep tabs on their homes, domestic help and children, a surveillance camera company has reported. "2011 was the year of the Super Nanny Cam. We sold over 1,000 pieces to around 300 families," said Fady Bran, Managing Director of Maxcom Technologies in Dubai. He said the demand was high among Europeans, followed by Indians. "Working parents in particular want to know what goes on inside their homes when they are out at work or are travelling." Easy does it He said unlike analog CCTV surveillance cameras, the Super Nanny Cam is an Internet Protocol, digital video camera and can send and receive data via a computer network and the Internet. It's wireless, easy to install and detects any motion within a range of 10 metres. It's mobile phone-enabled and sends e-mail alerts. Bran claimed that the Super nanny camera is discreet and not hidden unlike other nanny cameras which are typically hidden in the belly button of a teddy bear. Asked about the ethics behind installing such cameras, he said it should be done in the full knowledge of those being covered. "There is no question of invading privacy or intimidating anyone. It's just a tool to ensure that our homes and our children are safe at all times. It's about the general observation of our homes." He said although most families install the cameras to keep an eye on nannies, there are several other uses as well. They use them to monitor valuables, pets, observe the playing behaviour of kids, make sure they do their homework and stay out of trouble. "Imagine being able to get an alert if your child falls off the bed." Capturing intruders Residents also use these cameras when they travel abroad as they can be easily installed and can capture intruders and e-mail their movement. Although the average demand for cameras is three per home - usually at the main entrance, in the kids' room and the living room, there are residents who install cameras in every room, including the kitchen, he said. "We also have an outdoor version which villa owners install in garages and outside their homes to keep track of any suspicious movement," Bran added. He said the cost of installing one camera comes up to Dh2,000, including the device.