Private eyes: Lessons from the rent-to-own webcam cases

The charges outlined in the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuits against a software business and seven rent-to-own companies are surprising — and OK, some might say a little creepy. Software on rented computers gave the companies the ability to hit the kill switch if people were behind on their payments. But according to the complaints, it also let them collect sensitive personal information, grab screen shots, and take webcam photos of people in their homes. We hope no one else has cameras secretly poised on their customers. (Although if you do, cut it out right now. Really.) But the proposed settlements in the rent-to-own cases offer thought-provoking discussion fodder when evaluating your company’s policies and practices. Here’s some advice on: Check-up from the tech up. (Geo) location, location, location. To be or B2B. That is the question. Desperate times call for sensible measures. Just because the technology can doesn’t always mean the business should.