Protect your privacy: How to spot hidden Phenic mirrors in hotels

It's not uncommon to hear about cases of eavesdropping or spying on unsuspecting people. This issue affects celebrities and politicians and can happen to anyone, even during a hotel or a rented apartment stay. One tool used in such situations is the so-called Phenic mirror. Here's how to recognize it.

Even though the summer holidays will soon be behind us, it's worth considering your safety during future trips, whether you're staying in a hotel, rented room, or apartment. As fall and winter approach, many of us will take a well-deserved break, whether in the mountains or warmer regions. Unfortunately, not every renter is reliable, which may lead to unethical spying practices on guests. It's essential to check mirrors in this regard.

You may encounter hidden cameras or even Phenic mirrors in such places. Although these aren't very common, such cases still occur. A Phenic mirror causes one side to reflect part of the light while the rest passes through (excluding scattered and absorbed light).

A Phenic mirror is covered by a thin layer of metal, usually aluminum, and placed between two rooms—one brighter and one darker. Its construction allows people to be observed from one side while remaining unnoticed. These mirrors are often used in interrogation rooms but can also appear elsewhere.

Upon arrival at a hotel or rented apartment, it's worth conducting a simple test using a mirror, a marker, or even your own fingernail. Numerous video guides on this topic are available online.

The test involves placing your fingernail against the mirror surface. The mirror is regular if you see a gap between your fingernail and its reflection. If the fingernail's reflection touches the original, it may suggest a Phenolic mirror. Remember, many factors, such as lighting and material, influence the reflection.

Unfortunately, the described method is not 100 percent effective. It can only indicate a potential issue with the mirror, warranting further investigation, such as speaking to the property owner. Additionally, you can use a smartphone and its flashlight. After turning off the lights in the room, point the flashlight at the mirror. If it is a Phenic mirror, you might see through it to the other room or a hidden camera.

It is worth checking for hidden cameras while staying in a hotel during a trip. This is generally difficult, but a few methods can help. First, thoroughly check all suspicious devices in the room, such as clocks, smoke detectors, or electrical outlets, as they may contain spy cameras. Additionally, you can use smartphone applications that detect Wi-Fi signals sent by cameras. If anything seems suspicious, report it to the hotel staff immediately.