Lower Merion School District, PA Defendant in Class Action “spying by webcam lawsuit” 1800 students and their immediate family members.

Class Action Complaint
"77. As the laptops at issue were routinely used by the students, their friends and family members while at home, it is believed and therefore averred that many of the webcam images captured and /or intercepted consist of minors and/or their parents in compromising or embarrassing positions, including, but not limited to , in various stages of dress or undress."

“1...Invasion of privacy, Theft of Plaintiffs’ private information and unlawful interception and access to acquired and exported data and other stored electronic communications in violation of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, The computer Fraud Abuse Act, the Stored Communications Act, §1982 of the Civil rights Act, The Fourth amendment of the United States Constitution, the Pennsylvania Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act and Pennsylvania Common law."

"2. Unbeknownst to Plaintiffs and the members of the Class, and without their authorization, Defendants have been spying on the activities of Plaintiffs and Class members by Defendants’ indiscriminant use of and ability to remotely activate the webcams incorporated into each laptop issued to students by the School district. This continuing surveillance of the Plaintiff’ and the Class members; home use of the laptop issued by the School district, including the indiscriminant remote activation of the webcams incorporated into each laptop, was accomplished without the knowledge of Consent of the Plaintiffs or the members of the Class.“

The class action includes the student body of both high schools, approximately 1800 students. In addition the class action includes each high schools immediate family member.

Sean Tobin of Fox news states he was able to speak to a Harriton High Teacher who did not want to be identified that allegedly told him that a lot of teachers are aware that the laptops can be remotely operated and the teachers turn them around to a wall or blackboard to prevent being photographed. The teachers are allegedly aware that they can be monitored.

"IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA":
http://ia360926.us.archive.org/0/items/gov.uscourts.paed.347863/gov.uscourts.paed.347863.1.0.pdf

ALSO SEE:
"Is Lower Merion spying on students inside their home? LM official responds"

http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2010/02/18/main_line_times/news/doc4b7d7d9ce9a28395335138.txt

UPDATE

Official: FBI probing Pa. school webcam spy case
MARYCLAIRE DALE
The Associated Press

Posted on Sat, Feb. 20, 2010

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/84831227.html