I’m pretty certain that computer support companies which have the ability to take over your computer via remote access also have access to any webcam, but intentionally looking into someone’s home to monitor behavior is a whole new ballgame.
To me, the money quote in this article was the part about how the school administrator used a photograph of whatever activity was going on as evidence to presumably discipline the kid for something he was doing at home.
Think about what those cameras see. Think about the abuse, and potential for further abuse. I emailed Jeff Schreiber, the guy who runs America’s Right, and he says that Lower Merion School District is an incredible wealthy district (which gave the world Kobe Bryant).
He said he was careful not to editorialize in the linked article, but would likely write something up soon.
I don’t know about you guys, but the long-range implications of this story, above and beyond schools and teachers, is huge. Everybody should see this and know what’s going on. It’s sick.