Technology

The privacy predicament of NYC’s Traffic Cam Photobooth site

Published

1 year ago

September 5, 2024

The privacy predicament of NYC’s Traffic Cam Photobooth site

On the streets of New York City, an interesting yet slightly unsettling trend is unfolding, where technology meets the ever-present eyes of surveillance.

This is the world of the Traffic Cam Photobooth, a website brought to life by Brooklyn artist Morry Kolman. The website allows you to take selfies using the city’s traffic cameras, offering a quirky twist on capturing your city adventures.

However, while it might seem like harmless fun, this innovation also sparks a significant conversation about privacy and security. In a city where surveillance is omnipresent, this website challenges us to rethink what privacy means in public spaces and how comfortable we are with being constantly watched.

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Images from website (Traffic Cam Photobooth)

The website’s functionality

So, how does this website work? Trafficcamphotobooth.com gives you access to over 900 traffic cameras scattered across New York City. With just a few clicks, you can select a camera from various locations and snap a photo in either a filmstrip, Polaroid or neon-green format. The Polaroid frame includes the caption: “I’m being watched.” The innovation behind this website lies in the New York City Department of Transportation’s (DOT) live camera feeds, which update every two seconds.

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Kolman was inspired by a creative challenge in a class he was taking to snap a picture without being behind the camera, leading to this innovative use of public infrastructure. It’s a playful twist on traditional photography that quickly captures the public’s imagination. But as fun as it sounds, it also raises some important privacy concerns.

The 900 cameras across New York City (Traffic Cam Photobooth)

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The website’s privacy concerns

So, let’s talk privacy. While the idea of using public traffic cameras to take personal photos might sound harmless, it blurs the line between public surveillance and individual privacy. Yes, the camera feeds are publicly accessible, but using them to capture personal moments raises questions about privacy rights in public spaces.

Critics argue that even though there’s no expectation of privacy on public streets, the active use of surveillance for personal purposes can feel intrusive. Imagine walking down the street and realizing that someone could be taking a photo of you without your knowledge. It’s a bit unsettling, isn’t it? This website forces us to confront the broader issue of consent and the ethical use of surveillance technology in our everyday lives.

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Images from website (Traffic Cam Photobooth)

THE AI CAMERA STRIPPING AWAY PRIVACY IN BLINK OF AN EYE

Security implications of the website

Security experts also have raised concerns about the potential misuse of this website. The ease of access to traffic camera feeds might invite unauthorized surveillance activities, leading to potential breaches of privacy for individuals who unknowingly appear in these feeds. The broader implications of such surveillance technology include the risk of mass data collection and potential misuse by authorities or private entities.

As more data is collected, the potential for breaches increases, posing risks not only to individual privacy but also to public safety. It’s a classic case of technology outpacing regulation, and it highlights the need for clear guidelines and oversight.

Image from website (Traffic Cam Photobooth)

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Public and official reactions to the website

Despite its popularity, with over 10,000 photos taken and 30,000-40,000 visits, the DOT has remained silent on this use of its infrastructure. Kolman suggests that the DOT’s setup inadvertently facilitates such applications, but the lack of an official response leaves room for speculation about future regulatory actions.

Public opinion is divided. Some people love the creative use of technology, while others are concerned about privacy implications. The absence of a formal stance from the DOT highlights the challenges that arise when public infrastructure is used in unexpected ways. As cities grapple with the rapid pace of technological advancement, the need for adaptive policies and regulations becomes increasingly apparent.

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Image from traffic cam (Traffic Cam Photobooth)

The website’s expansion plans

Kolman has expressed interest in expanding the project to other cities and is open to collaborations, indicating a potential for wider adoption. However, this expansion could further complicate privacy and security considerations, as different cities may have varying regulations and public sentiments regarding surveillance.

The potential for open-source collaboration also raises questions about the control and oversight of such technology. As the project grows, it will be essential to engage with local communities and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that the technology is used responsibly.

Image from traffic cam (Traffic Cam Photobooth)

We reached out to Kolman, who emphasized the site’s commitment to privacy and security. He said, “As a site intended to highlight how our privacy is invaded every day by surveillance cameras, the site is designed to be as safe, privacy-respecting and secure as possible.” He went on to say that as far as the functionality of the website:

1. “No data ever leaves the user’s device. Finding the nearest camera, taking the picture and saving the photo are all done completely locally. Even I, the person running the site, can’t see what pictures people take or where they take them.”

2. “I track nothing besides hits on my home page and how many photos are taken on the Photobooth page. I deliberately built my own solution for this so [that] I would not subject users to an analytics tool like Google Analytics that would be much more invasive.”

Kolman acknowledged concerns regarding potential misuse of the tool, saying, “They fundamentally misunderstand what the tool does and direct their worry at the wrong place. I did not make these cameras public, I do not record any locations, and there is no way to use these cameras to ‘track’ someone unless you already had information about their whereabouts by some other means.”

He added, “You should be uncomfortable with the amount of cameras that exist around the city. The purpose of the site is to draw attention to that sprawling surveillance regime, and if learning about it unnerves you, it is because you are finally paying attention.”

Kolman concluded by saying, “I’m an artist and a developer; I think deeply about these topics, and it’s important to me that this project provides an interesting and engaging gateway to address the serious and omnipresent topic of mass surveillance.”

Kurt’s key takeaways

While it’s fascinating to see how technology can be creatively repurposed, we must also consider the implications of being constantly watched. The ability to capture personal moments using public infrastructure blurs the lines between public and private life, raising important questions about consent and the ethical use of surveillance. As we move forward, it’s crucial to strike a balance between embracing technological innovation and safeguarding our privacy rights. After all, in a world where every street corner might have a camera, it’s worth asking: How much of our personal space are we willing to give up?

Do you believe the convenience and creativity offered by websites like Traffic Cam Photobooth justify the potential invasion of privacy by using public surveillance cameras for personal use? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound

Published

9 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound

We finally have an update to the Soundcore Space One that launched two and a half years ago. At MWC 2026, Soundcore has announced the Space 2, which will be available in the US on April 21st in three colors — linen white, jet black, and seafoam green — for $129.99. That’s $30 more than the Space One’s original price.

According to Soundcore, the Space 2 have had a full-band noise cancellation upgrade with the focus of those improvements on the low-frequency sounds we all generally use ANC headphones to block — things like airplane, train, and bus engine sounds while traveling. The Space 2 use the same number of microphones as the Space One for noise canceling, instead relying on optimized mic placement and structure and materials improvements for the boost in performance.

Redesigned 40mm drivers incorporate dual layers in their design. There’s a silk diaphragm with metal ceramic that supposedly results in faster transient response — the driver’s ability to respond to sudden sound quickly and accurately — with better balanced sound reproduction. The Space One had great sound performance for the price, but I’m all for any improvement to sound performance accuracy. Like the Space One, the Space 2 will support LDAC high-res audio.

The headphones connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 6.1, although they do not support Auracast transmissions — an unfortunate exclusion. There’s also a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection.

Battery life has been increased to up to 50 hours with ANC and 70 hours with ANC off. This is up from 40 hours with ANC and 55 hours without ANC with the Space One headphones. With a five-minute charge the Space 2 get an additional four hours of listening.

The Space 2 will include many of the features found on the Space One. You can use HearID 3.0 to go through a series of sound samples to tune the headphones’ sound to your preferences. It worked well for me on the Space One to get them closer to a sound I liked, with a bit of the edge taken off the higher frequencies. There’s also a sensor that detects when you remove the headphones and stops playback so you don’t miss any of your music or podcast. They once again come with a cloth bag that matches the color of the headphones instead of a case, which is one change I wish Soundcore had made, as the cloth bag doesn’t offer as much protection if you tend to throw your headphones into your backpack or bag.

The Soundcore Space One were among the best budget ANC headphones when they came out, and still hold up to more recent releases. But with the bump in price to over $100 for the Space 2, there’s a bit more expectation on them. ANC performance continues to improve — and products get cheaper — across manufacturers, so the Soundcore Space 2 has some competition from companies like Sony, EarFun, and JLab. If the ANC on the Space 2 stands up to current budget headphones and they still sound as good and are as comfortable as the Space One, you can expect to see the new Soundcore Space 2 on many recommendation lists.

Technology

Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that

Published

9 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that

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If you have ever turned on your VPN and suddenly could not log in to your bank, email, streaming service or work portal, you are not imagining things. In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations VPN users face today.

However, the issue is not that VPNs stopped working. Instead, websites have become far more aggressive about blocking traffic that looks suspicious.

As a result, the way your VPN is built now matters just as much as whether you use one at all.

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Shared VPN IPs often trigger red flags, which is why banks, email providers and streaming sites sometimes block access. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why websites block many VPN connections

Most VPNs give you a shared IP address. As a result, hundreds or even thousands of people can appear online from the same address at the same time. From a website’s perspective, that traffic pattern raises red flags. When platforms detect too many logins, rapid location changes or unusual activity tied to one IP, they step in quickly. In many cases, they respond by:

Blocking access
Triggering captchas
Requiring extra verification codes
Temporarily locking accounts

Meanwhile, you did nothing wrong. Instead, you end up dealing with restrictions caused by other users sharing that same IP address.

What a dedicated IP does differently

With a dedicated IP, you get an address that belongs only to you. Unlike shared VPN connections, no one else uses it.

Each time you connect, you use the same IP address. As a result, you avoid sharing traffic, rotating locations or competing with random users whose activity could trigger blocks.

Because of that consistency, your connection looks much more like a typical home or office internet setup. And that simple difference can dramatically reduce website suspicion and login headaches.

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A dedicated IP gives you a consistent address that looks more like a normal home connection, reducing captchas and login alerts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What a dedicated IP can do that shared VPN IPs usually can’t

That consistency does more than reduce suspicion; it improves how smoothly you access the sites and services you use every day.

Access more websites without blocks

Banks, government portals, healthcare sites, and streaming services are far less likely to block a dedicated IP because it does not show heavy or erratic traffic patterns.

Reduce captchas and security challenges

Those endless “prove you’re human” messages are usually triggered by shared IP abuse. A dedicated IP dramatically reduces them.

Make banking and email logins smoother

Financial institutions and email providers often flag constantly changing IP addresses as suspicious. A dedicated IP stays consistent, so login alerts and lockouts happen far less often.

Support remote work and secure systems

Some employers only allow access from approved IP addresses. Shared VPN IPs cannot be approved. Dedicated IPs can.

Improve streaming reliability

Shared VPN IPs are often the first to get blocked when streaming services crack down. Dedicated IPs are less likely to be flagged because traffic looks normal and predictable.

What a dedicated IP does not do

A dedicated IP:

Does not remove encryption
Does not expose your identity
Does not weaken your privacy

Your traffic remains encrypted, and your real location stays hidden. You simply get a connection that websites trust more.

Who benefits most from a dedicated IP

A dedicated IP is especially helpful if you:

Use online banking regularly
Travel and access sites from different locations
Work remotely
Stream often
Get tired of captchas and blocked pages
Want a VPN that feels normal to use

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With fewer blocks and smoother logins, a dedicated IP helps your VPN work quietly in the background instead of getting in your way. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to choose a VPN that offers a dedicated IP

If you want these benefits, look for a VPN provider that offers a dedicated IP option built directly into its service. Some providers include it in premium plans, while others offer it as an add-on. Either way, the process should be simple. You should be able to select your dedicated IP inside the app without advanced setup or manual configuration. Before signing up, check that the provider also offers strong speeds, reliable uptime and clear privacy policies. A dedicated IP improves access, but overall performance still matters.

What to look for beyond a dedicated IP

A dedicated IP reduces blocks. However, a quality VPN should also deliver strong security and smooth performance.

Fast, stable connections: Speed matters for streaming, video calls and everyday browsing. Look for providers known for consistent performance.

Wide server coverage: More server locations give you flexibility when traveling and help reduce location errors.

Clear privacy practices: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and independent audits when possible.

Secure server technology: Modern VPNs often use RAM-based servers that automatically wipe data on reboot.

Easy-to-use apps: Protection should feel simple, not technical. Clean apps across major devices make daily use effortless.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s key takeaway

If your VPN keeps getting blocked, the problem may not be the VPN itself. It may be the shared IP address behind it. Websites are increasingly aggressive about suspicious traffic. When hundreds of users share the same IP, banks, email providers and streaming platforms take notice. That is when the captchas, verification codes and account lockouts start. A dedicated IP changes that experience. You still get encryption. You still protect your real location. But your connection looks stable and predictable, which helps you avoid constant interruptions.

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Should protecting your privacy really mean fighting with your bank, email, and streaming apps? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

Technology

Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’

Published

21 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’

It might be World War III, but at least I won $20. | Image: Polymarket / The Verge

Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:

…

Read the full story at The Verge.