A former model has exposed a hidden online network where individuals, primarily British men, share surreptitious footage of women filmed in private spaces. Jess Davies, a presenter and online safety campaigner, went undercover for a BBC documentary, "Hunting the Spycammers," to reveal the extent of this hidden industry.
Davies' investigation uncovered a sprawling voyeur website that serves as a hub for encrypted chat groups where users exchange non-consensual video content. The footage, captured using covert cameras disguised as everyday objects like pens, air fresheners, and electrical plugs, depicts women in vulnerable situations, including sleeping, showering, and changing. In one disturbing instance, cameras were reportedly placed along a walking route to capture women urinating in bushes due to a lack of public facilities.
Posing as a new recruit seeking advice, Davies and investigative journalist Liam Connell infiltrated these online communities. They found perpetrators openly discussing and sharing tips on how to secretly film relatives, partners, flatmates, and strangers. Davies herself shared a personal experience of having been photographed naked while sleeping and having the image distributed within a private WhatsApp group.
"It's a never-ending cycle of mass distribution of non-consensual content of women," Davies stated. "It feels like these women are being hunted down and preyed upon." The documentary also features Davies confronting individuals involved in filming to understand their motivations and awareness of the illegality and harm caused by their actions.
Davies, who began her career in glamour modeling at age 18, has become a vocal advocate for women's rights and online safety. She previously published a book in 2025 titled "No One Wants to See Your D*ck," addressing online misogyny. Her past experiences include being a finalist in Miss Wales in 2010 and appearing in publications like FHM and Zoo. She has also spoken about encountering cyber-flashing and being a victim of sexual assault. In 2024, she reported receiving hundreds of unsolicited images of male genitalia online.
Sian Harris, commissioning editor for BBC Cymru Wales, emphasized the relatable horror of being filmed secretly in private spaces. "Jess and Liam's compelling investigation not only reveals this as a growing crime, but shines a light on the shady places where non-consensual videos are being traded and asks the questions we'd all want answers to about how and why is this happening," Harris said.
"Hunting the Spycammers" is scheduled to be released on BBC iPlayer on Wednesday, July 15.