Australian dashcam manufacturer BlackVue has removed its controversial live broadcast feature which allowed users to view locations, live footage and live camera feeds from dash cams around the world on the BlackVue app.
It was possible to locate BlackVue dash cams on a map anywhere in the world with Remote Live View and stream the live camera feed and even hear their conversations through the built-in audio as well.
Tech Guide was able to view the located and live footage from BlackVue cameras in Australia and the U.S and hear what was happening inside the car which might have been conversations and the music they were listening to.
At the time of publication the ability to view Australian dash cams was removed within the BlackVue app.
But we were still able to view the locates and live streams of BlackVue dashcams in New Zealand and the U.S and listen inside the vehicle as well.
When contacted by 9News, BlackVue dismissed the issues around the feature as “sensationalist and inaccurate”.
On its website BlackVue published a blog to clarify the “confusion” about BlackVue and BlackVue’s cloud default privacy settings.
It turns out this feature is set by default and needs to be turned off to avoid your dashcam being seen, heard and located by anyone else with the BlackVue app.
But now BlackVue has decided to remove the feature altogether.
It released a statement which read:
“Following community feedback, we are working closely with the manufacturer to completely remove the live broadcast feature from the BlackVue app.
“We take all feedback seriously and the concerns raised have been passed directly to the manufacturer.
“Public cameras have been removed from Australia, so no action is required on your part.
“An update to the smartphone app will be published in the coming days, removing the option to broadcast completely.
“In the meantime, we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns, and we thank you for your continued support.”
