We’re off on the wrong foot here. I have a fairly extensive background in technology including, as it turns out, remote video applications as a computer user interface designer for such things (in the early 90s R&D.) I understand the technical points.
NONE of the technology strengths or weaknesses excuse the invasion of privacy issue. It does not matter where or when you can turn on the camera. If it can be turned on at all there exists the possiblity of unconstitutional search (IANAL) and privacy rights violations.
Cost doesn’t matter. If you can’t afford the solution that protects privacy then you don’t have an excuse to use the solution that DOES violate privacy rights. That’s just patently obvious.
Is there an expectation of privacy on a PUBLIC resource?