Caught in the act? Aussie cinema's ‘Big Brother’ blunder sparks privacy panic

In an age where privacy concerns are at an all-time high, it's no wonder that a puzzling discovery at a cinema bathroom has sparked a wave of confusion and curiosity among moviegoers.

The unexpected find, which quickly gained attention on social media, has left many scratching their heads and sharing their thoughts online.

As the unusual situation unfolds, the local community is buzzing with speculation and intrigue.


The incident, which took place at the HOYTS cinema in Joondalup, has sparked a debate about the balance between security and privacy in public spaces.

A Perth moviegoer was left feeling outraged and confused when he noticed what appeared to be a camera installed on the ceiling of the men's toilets at the cinema.

The concerned patron took to social media to share a picture of the suspicious black fitting, which quickly garnered attention and was shared by others who were equally puzzled by the presence of surveillance in such a private area.


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A Perth moviegoer spotted a suspected camera in the men's toilets at HOYTS Joondalup and shared the image online. Credit: Facebook


The image circulated on social media, with many users expressing their discomfort at the thought of being watched in a space where privacy is expected.

The comparison to ‘Big Brother’ was inevitable, with some commenters describing the situation as ‘disturbing’ and voicing their opinion that surveillance should not encroach upon private areas like toilets.

On the flip side, there were those who defended the potential use of cameras, arguing that such measures were necessary to ensure safety and security.

They claimed that ‘having nothing to hide’ meant there was no reason to be concerned about the presence of surveillance equipment.


The debate continued until a HOYTS spokesperson stepped in to clarify the situation. In a statement that likely brought relief to many, the spokesperson confirmed that despite the fitting's appearance, it did not contain a recording device.

‘The housing you're referring to is left from the previous owners and doesn't contain a live camera,’ they explained.

‘It has since been taken down. There isn’t one in the ladies bathroom. This site was acquired and not initially fitted out by the current operators.’

To put patrons' minds at ease, HOYTS provided an image to PerthNow showing the inside of the ceiling fitting, which was indeed empty.

‘If anyone ever has concerns of this type they are always welcome to chat to the location manager or lodge a query via the website,’ the spokesperson said.


The unexpected discovery at a Perth cinema mirrors another recent incident that left Australians puzzled and concerned.

Shoppers at a Coles store were similarly caught off guard by a disturbing detail, sparking outrage and widespread discussion.

Both events highlight how seemingly ordinary experiences can take an unsettling turn, leaving the public eager for explanations and resolutions.
Key Takeaways
  • A Perth moviegoer noticed what appeared to be a camera in the men's toilets at HOYTS Joondalup and shared the image on social media.
  • Social media users were divided on the issue, with some finding it ‘disturbing’ and others approving of increased security measures.
  • A HOYTS spokesperson clarified that the suspicious ceiling fitting was from previous owners and did not contain a live camera, and it has since been removed.
  • HOYTS reassured the public that concerns like these can be addressed with the location manager or through their website.
What are your thoughts on the use of surveillance in public spaces, particularly in areas like bathrooms where privacy is paramount? Have you ever encountered something similar? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
 
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Well.... it is a movie house.... maybe they are collecting material to produce their own movie? It could be called "Pictures of P" or "Remember when Wee". Lol. Sorry but my twisted mind worked overtime for some reason, maybe go back to bed! Get a grip, make movies!
 
Section 227A of the Criminal Code prohibits the visual recording of a person without their consent in a private place or while they are engaged in a private act.

Absolutely illegal and must not be condoned in any shape or form.
Well sort of. As you enter many premises, they have signs saying, surveillance, CCTV. The foyer camera of a toilet is for security of drugs, perverts etc.
 
"John Holmes" died many moons ago. You may ask, Who was John Holmes" ? Many deviots would be aquainted with him & exploits. Known to having the longest of them all. He died of the good old AIDS.
 
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Well sort of. As you enter many premises, they have signs saying, surveillance, CCTV. The foyer camera of a toilet is for security of drugs, perverts etc.
A CCTV camera is permitted at the entrance of a public toilet if:-

1) mounted OUTSIDE the entrance of the toilet and,​
2) does not show the interior of the toilet, that is, pointed away from the entrance.​
 
What pervert state do you live in? California?
You OK? Have you been to Europe and seen open air urinals? Do you know they are trialing them on the Gold Coast? Do you know there are caveats in the surveillance cameras act? That allows for such things. Unfortunately, crime in the world, allows for such messages. Also, you don't need to be rude.
 
"John Holmes" died many moons ago. You may ask, Who was John Holmes" ? Many deviots would be aquainted with him & exploits. Known to having the longest of them all. He died of the good old AIDS.
Don’t you mean deviants 🧐 anyway that’ll teach them for not using condoms.🧐 Or didn’t they make them that big 🤣
 
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