Reopening the Issue Involving Surveillance Cameras

295 views
Skip to first unread message

Arnob Kabir

unread,
Feb 10, 2025, 3:55:48 PM2/10/25
to HeatSync Labs
I am reopening the issue because HeatSync Labs has yet to put a clause in the liability waiver and post a clearly visible notice stating that individuals are being recorded as they enter the lab, which is a potential violation of ARS 13-3019. If one can establish that they have a reasonable expectation of privacy within the lab and that they were not notified that they are being recorded, HeatSync Labs could face up to a class 4 felony.

I am also reopening the issue to make the argument that the usage of publicly viewable surveillance cameras in any capacity is in direct contradiction with HeatSync Lab's bylaws, and that the surveillance cameras must be disabled immediately if HeatSync Labs wants to continue to maintain itself as an inclusive space.

HeatSync Labs' bylaws states the following under section 5.1: "Purpose":

"A big part of HeatSync Labs mission of making tools accessible is to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, race, national origin or ancestry, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof)."

A common argument for the continued use of the surveillance cameras is convenience. Seeing whether machines are being used by other people is convenient.

Convenience for the majority is not the purpose of HeatSync Labs. The purpose of HeatSync Labs is protection and inclusion of the minority. Our current political climate is particularly hostile to members of the LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. By continuing to use surveillance cameras so that anyone in the general public can monitor the space, whether interested in our machinery or interested in the whereabouts of certain individuals, we are endangering our most vulnerable. This is an intolerable offense.

Arnob Kabir

unread,
Feb 10, 2025, 8:22:29 PM2/10/25
to HeatSync Labs
I think I've made it abundantly clear that I'm frustrated. But that isn't helpful in moving the discussion forward. So, I'd like to pose a question.

If a policy discourages inclusivity, regardless of what else it does for the lab, is that grounds for that policy to be revoked? According to my interpretation of the bylaws, I would say yes. But I'm open to other answers.

Eric Ose

unread,
Feb 10, 2025, 8:57:21 PM2/10/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
We have had instructors with policies that don't allow people under a certain age. It definitely reduces diversity and excludes some people, but is an important policy to allow instructors to decide what age is appropriate for their class or workshop.

One could argue that the cameras increase inclusion. By showing people at the lab working on projects they can be encouraged to come down. Having it as a tool for promoting the lab may overall increase the number of people attending and there would be no way to be certain how much that does. I still think it is worth not having the live cameras for the reasons you mention and others.

Eric Ose
Robot Ambassador
Sometimes cool things just happen, but usually you have to plan them.


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "HeatSync Labs" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to heatsynclabs...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/heatsynclabs/e255ed24-f4e5-4e8b-873d-672963e1b21fn%40googlegroups.com.

Tim M

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 11:42:58 AM2/11/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
At least link to the ARS so everyone can understand. The cameras are not hidden, aren't in the bathrooms. 



A. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly photograph, videotape, film, digitally record or by any other means secretly view, with or without a device, another person without that person's consent under either of the following circumstances:

1. In a restroom, bathroom, locker room, bedroom or other location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and the person is urinating, defecating, dressing, undressing, nude or involved in sexual intercourse or sexual contact.

2. In a manner that directly or indirectly captures or allows the viewing of the person's genitalia, buttock or female breast, whether clothed or unclothed, that is not otherwise visible to the public.

B. It is unlawful to disclose, display, distribute or publish a photograph, videotape, film or digital recording made in violation of subsection A of this section without the consent or knowledge of the person depicted.

C. This section does not apply to:

1. Photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording for security purposes if notice of the use of photographing, videotaping, filming or digital recording equipment is clearly posted in the location and the location is one in which the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

2. Photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording by correctional officials for security reasons or in connection with the investigation of alleged misconduct of persons on the premises of a jail or prison.

3. Photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording by law enforcement officers pursuant to an investigation, which is otherwise lawful.

4. The use of a child monitoring device as defined in section 13-3001.

D. A violation of subsection A or B of this section is a class 5 felony.

E. Notwithstanding subsection D of this section, a violation of subsection A or B of this section that does not involve the use of a device is a class 6 felony, except that a second or subsequent violation of subsection A or B of this section that does not involve the use of a device is a class 5 felony.

F. Notwithstanding subsection D of this section, a violation of subsection B of this section is a class 4 felony if the person depicted is recognizable.

G. For the purposes of this section, "sexual contact" and "sexual intercourse" have the same meanings prescribed in section 13-1401. 





Regards,
Tim Moffat

From: heatsy...@googlegroups.com <heatsy...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Arnob Kabir <arnobka...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2025 1:55 PM
To: HeatSync Labs <heatsy...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [HSL] Reopening the Issue Involving Surveillance Cameras
 
Convenience for the majority is not the purpose of HeatSync Labs. The purpose of HeatSync Labs is protection and inclusion of the minority. Our current political climate is particularly hostile to members of the LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. By continuing to use surveillance cameras so that anyone in the general public can monitor the space, whether interested in our machinery or interested in the whereabouts of certain individuals, we are endangering our most vulnerable. This is an intolerable offense.--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "HeatSync Labs" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to heatsynclabs...@googlegroups.com.

Sheldon McGee

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 12:02:42 PM2/11/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
Framed this way, ANY policy is a way to decrease inclusivity. This includes simple things like locking the doors. Or requiring training to use a tool. Limiting open hours. Having membership options.

The cameras are just a tool like every other tool in the lab. They can be dangerous. We have to accept some amount of danger to keep any tools in the lab. 

Sheldon

On Mon, Feb 10, 2025 at 6:22 PM Arnob Kabir <arnobka...@gmail.com> wrote:
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "HeatSync Labs" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to heatsynclabs...@googlegroups.com.

Robert Bushman

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 12:33:36 PM2/11/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
I'm not trying to poke at Sheldon in particular, this whole months long
thread has been filled with rhetoric. I'm just using this as jumping off
point.

> The cameras are just a tool like every other tool in the lab.

You cannot mill aluminum without a mill.

You can mill aluminum without a public video feed.

The core question is whether having a public video feed increases
benevolent use of the space or decreases it. Focus on that.

Identify the benevolent effects we want:

Let people know whether the tool they want to use is in use.
Don't help stalkers harm our members.
Let people know whether someone is there to help them.

What else?

Are there satisfactory alternatives to achieve desired effects? For
example, security is covered by non-public video.

Once alternative solutions are considered, how much do public video
feeds change the net benefit?

Rhetoric is easy but as politics shows us, it rewards those most willing
to be an aggressive loudmouth. Focus on tangible effects.

Tim M

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 12:37:37 PM2/11/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
At least link to the ARS so everyone can understand. The cameras are not hidden, aren't in the bathrooms. 



A. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly photograph, videotape, film, digitally record or by any other means secretly view, with or without a device, another person without that person's consent under either of the following circumstances:

1. In a restroom, bathroom, locker room, bedroom or other location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and the person is urinating, defecating, dressing, undressing, nude or involved in sexual intercourse or sexual contact.

2. In a manner that directly or indirectly captures or allows the viewing of the person's genitalia, buttock or female breast, whether clothed or unclothed, that is not otherwise visible to the public.

B. It is unlawful to disclose, display, distribute or publish a photograph, videotape, film or digital recording made in violation of subsection A of this section without the consent or knowledge of the person depicted.

C. This section does not apply to:

1. Photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording for security purposes if notice of the use of photographing, videotaping, filming or digital recording equipment is clearly posted in the location and the location is one in which the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

2. Photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording by correctional officials for security reasons or in connection with the investigation of alleged misconduct of persons on the premises of a jail or prison.

3. Photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording by law enforcement officers pursuant to an investigation, which is otherwise lawful.

4. The use of a child monitoring device as defined in section 13-3001.

D. A violation of subsection A or B of this section is a class 5 felony.

E. Notwithstanding subsection D of this section, a violation of subsection A or B of this section that does not involve the use of a device is a class 6 felony, except that a second or subsequent violation of subsection A or B of this section that does not involve the use of a device is a class 5 felony.

F. Notwithstanding subsection D of this section, a violation of subsection B of this section is a class 4 felony if the person depicted is recognizable.

G. For the purposes of this section, "sexual contact" and "sexual intercourse" have the same meanings prescribed in section 13-1401. 





Regards,
Tim Moffat

From: heatsy...@googlegroups.com <heatsy...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Arnob Kabir <arnobka...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2025 1:55 PM
To: HeatSync Labs <heatsy...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [HSL] Reopening the Issue Involving Surveillance Cameras
 
I am reopening the issue because HeatSync Labs has yet to put a clause in the liability waiver and post a clearly visible notice stating that individuals are being recorded as they enter the lab, which is a potential violation of ARS 13-3019. If one can establish that they have a reasonable expectation of privacy within the lab and that they were not notified that they are being recorded, HeatSync Labs could face up to a class 4 felony.

I am also reopening the issue to make the argument that the usage of publicly viewable surveillance cameras in any capacity is in direct contradiction with HeatSync Lab's bylaws, and that the surveillance cameras must be disabled immediately if HeatSync Labs wants to continue to maintain itself as an inclusive space.

HeatSync Labs' bylaws states the following under section 5.1: "Purpose":

"A big part of HeatSync Labs mission of making tools accessible is to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, race, national origin or ancestry, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof)."

A common argument for the continued use of the surveillance cameras is convenience. Seeing whether machines are being used by other people is convenient.

Convenience for the majority is not the purpose of HeatSync Labs. The purpose of HeatSync Labs is protection and inclusion of the minority. Our current political climate is particularly hostile to members of the LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. By continuing to use surveillance cameras so that anyone in the general public can monitor the space, whether interested in our machinery or interested in the whereabouts of certain individuals, we are endangering our most vulnerable. This is an intolerable offense.--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "HeatSync Labs" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to heatsynclabs...@googlegroups.com.
Message has been deleted

Michael Mathers

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 1:02:06 PM2/11/25
to HeatSync Labs

Hello, I apologize for introducing myself in this way and I feel awkward commenting on the running of the lab having just got here.  I hope it's ok that I am.  


TLDR:   I think the cameras should stay but the footage used solely for lab security and not generally accessible.


I'm new (and old).  I was a member for a short while 12 years ago but the available hours didn't work out very well for me then with the other commitments I had in my life.  Most of those constraints are now gone and the Saturday hours will also be a great help.  I expect to be spending lots of time here going forward and I'm excited to be here and make use of its empowering facilities.

I was one of the Scoutmasters for a large scout troop until recently for ~8 years.  Like HSL, an organization like that takes many contributors in many different roles -- Scoutmasters are only one of the more visible.  There is a Committee, outdoor event coordinators, treasurers, advancement coordinators, charter organization reps, parental volunteers and many more.  Of course, the troop also has property assets -- tents, camp stoves, trailers, etc.

But always, the most valuable asset was Volunteer Time.  It was practically a mantra internalized and institutionalized.  My experience at HSL is limited but I still have to conclude the same is true here.  It's not the laser.  It's not the tools and printers.  It's not even money though money is certainly important.  The most valuable HSL assets are the quality volunteer contributions of Time and Energy.

It pains me to see some of these contributors being driven away by the indiscriminate publishing of camera feeds that few seem to really want.  While I personally am unbothered of myself being publicly published I fully understand the many valid reasons why some others are not ok with it.  

As for arguments in favor there are a few recognizable/mentioned benefits that I grokked:

1. security / safety / criminal / evidential - a clearly important and valuable benefit
2. station / tool use / availability - east to use but very hit or miss effectiveness - also there are alternatives
3. hosting availability - not sure this perceived benefit is even real
4. marketing benefit based on search results - a vague benefit of unknown real value -- I would argue that a few quality interactions with our great volunteers easily exceed a marketing benefit here.  I never stop hearing about someone who was helpful and made someone's experience at the lab better.

I may have missed some things but these seem like the most talked about and had the most perceived value -- still only the first seems actually concrete and doesn't require publishing the feed at all.  Do the others really outweigh such extraordinary volunteer assets along with the obvious cons?


I think the clear answer on publishing feeds is no.


Security / safety

I think it is without question the presence of visible cameras makes the lab a safer place.  Members and Hosts confirm they are, and have been, an effective deterrent for undesirable and illegal behavior.  The lab expressly invites the public and I think there is a duty to provide some reasonable protection for the volunteers who are hosting and anyone that is using the lab reasonably and per policy.   Further, the public publishing of the feed has actually created a safety issue at least one time for a member in the past.   This is the best argument for keeping visible cameras (and posting a sign about the cameras) -- to deter miscreant behavior.  Theft deterrence is not a bad one either and am rather appalled that someone stole the RasPis physically connected to 3D printers.  The thefts could easily be more significant.


Legal

(Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer.)  There would not be a reasonable expectation of privacy inside of the lab for A.R.S. 13-3019 (except for the bathrooms, of course).  The lab is expressly open to the public on a main street.  Having a sign isn't a bad thing to do but I don't believe it is legally required.  Are there additional requirements for publishing that video footage?  Possibly.  Particularly for persons under 13 and I do believe that has been brought up before but I personally have not investigated that.  Regardless, creating such a sign is trivial to remedy.


Tool/Station Use/Availability

There are presence detection solutions that are non-identifying.  You could mess around with image AI and obscuring faces or whatnot....  I know that someone mentioned playing with this.  I would not approach it that way but there are likely some pre-roll solutions out there already.  It isn't a new problem.  How well they work I couldn't say and their cost is probably high (maybe too high).

However, more purpose built solutions are likely easier and cheaper, IMHO.  Millimeter wave (mmWave) sensors have come a long way and I suspect there are only a half dozen tools/stations that have any real need to show public availability and use metrics.  A mmWave sensor and ESP32 capable of detecting even stationary person(s) have a cost in the range of $15.  ESPHome has built-in support for this I believe.  A solution of this type isn't as straight-forward as just publishing a camera feed but I suspect it's actual performance would be substantially better.  Concrete use data likely would also benefit the lab in other ways.  

Are there downsides, maybe....  it's not something I've explored in depth.  Are there other better solutions?  Also maybe.  Dollars to donuts, someone at HSL already has experience with these sensors and can tell me why they would or would not do the job.  But I would still contend that no solution is still better than driving away quality Volunteer Time.

I am willing to try to tackle this myself and have some experience with microcontrollers and electronics.  I was a software engineer/architect before I retired.  I would gladly accept help and advice in all ways -- even competing/collaborating efforts.  I also just love geeking out if you just want to talk about presence detection strategies with me.

However, the point is to make it such that the Volunteer Time that quality volunteers freely give is as comfortable and rewarding as possible.  That is the real precious asset to manage at HSL.


In summary:   I think the cameras should stay but the footage used solely for lab security and not generally accessible.


Michael

Arnob Kabir

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 1:27:00 PM2/11/25
to HeatSync Labs
I see that I should have linked ARS 13-3019 to the discussion. Thank you for the inclusion of the actual law, Tim!

Tim, you're right that the law generally applies to hidden cameras or cameras in private places. What I take issue with is the phrase "reasonable expectation of privacy". In my research, that phrase can be dangerous for private properties that are open to the public and use cameras like HeatSync Labs. Why do we even allow the possibility of getting sued over it? It should be in the liability waiver. 

If people are not willing to put in the work to reign in the cameras, either by putting it behind a member wall, using AI, or whatever we decide, then the cameras shouldn't be up at all. Personally, I don't think that needs to be up for proposal. The most common comment about the cameras is "ok we shouldn't completely take them down, but we should do this instead...". If no one is willing to DO that in a DO-ocracy, then doing something even more invasive shouldn't be done at all.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:02:06 AM UTC-7 michael...@gmail.com wrote:
My original reply got swallowed up and never showed for some reason. Sorry if this posts twice.
---

TLDR:  I think the cameras should stay but the footage used solely for lab security and not generally accessible.


I apologize for introducing myself in this way and I feel awkward commenting on the running of the lab having just got here.  I hope it's ok that I am.  

Hello, I'm new (and old).  I was a member for a short while 12 years ago but the available hours didn't work out very well for me then with the other commitments I had in my life.  Most of those constraints are now gone and the Saturday hours will also a great help.  I expect to be spending lots of time here going forward and I am excited to make use of so many of the labs wonderful facilities.


I was one of the Scoutmasters for a large scout troop until recently for ~8 years.  Like HSL, an organization like that takes many contributors in many different roles -- Scoutmasters are only one of the more visible.  There is a Committee, outdoor event coordinators, treasurers, advancement coordinators, charter organization reps, parental volunteers and many more.  Of course, the troop also has property assets -- tents, camp stoves, trailers, etc.

But always, the most valuable asset was Volunteer Time.  It was practically a mantra internalized and institutionalized.  My experience at HSL is limited but I still have to conclude the same is true here.  It's not the laser.  It's not the tools and printers.  It's not even money though money is important.  The most valuable HSL assets are the quality volunteer contributions of Time and Energy.

It pains me to see some of these contributors being driven away by the indiscriminate publishing of camera feeds that few seem to really want.  

In favor of the camera feeds, there are a few recognizable/mentioned benefits that I grokked:


1. security / safety / criminal / evidential - a clearly important and valuable benefit
2. station / tool use / availability - easy to use but very hit or miss effectiveness - also there are alternatives

3. hosting availability - not sure this perceived benefit is even real
4. marketing benefit based on search results - a vague benefit of unknown real value -- I would argue that a few quality interactions with our great volunteers easily exceed a marketing benefit here.  I never stop hearing about someone who was helpful and made someone's experience at the lab better.

I may have missed some things but these seem like the most talked about and had the most perceived value -- still only the first seems actually concrete and doesn't require publishing the feed at all.  Do the others really outweigh such extraordinary volunteer assets along with the obvious cons?


I think the clear answer on publishing feeds is no.


Security / safety

I think it is without question the presence of visible cameras makes the lab a safer place.  Members and Hosts confirm they are an effective deterrent for undesirable and illegal behavior.  The lab expressly invites the public and I think there is a duty to provide some reasonable protection for the volunteers who are hosting and anyone that is using the lab reasonably and per policy.  This is the best argument for posting a sign about the cameras -- to deter miscreant behavior.  

Theft deterrence is not a bad one either.  I'm appalled at the theft of RasPis from connected 3D printers.  The thefts could easily be worse.

The publishing of the feeds are not necessary to achieve all of the safety/security benefits.  Indeed, doing so has concretely contributed to less safety in at least one incident.


Legal

(Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer.)  There would not be a reasonable expectation of privacy inside of the lab for A.R.S. 13-3019 (except for the bathrooms, of course).  The lab is expressly open to the public on a main street.  Having a sign isn't a bad thing to do but it isn't legally required.  Are thera additional requirement for publishing that video footage?  Possibly.  Particularly for persons under 13 and I do believe that has been brought up before but I personally have not investigated that.


Tool/Station Use/Availability

There are presence detection solutions that are non-identifying.  You could mess around with image AI and obscuring faces or whatnot....  I know that someone mentioned playing with this.  I would not approach it that way but there are likely some pre-roll solutions out there already.  It isn't a new problem.  How well they work I couldn't say and there cost is probably high (maybe too high).

However, more purpose built solutions are likely easier and cheaper, IMHO.  Millimeter wave (mmWave) sensors have come a long way and I suspect there are only a half dozen tools/stations that any real need to show public availability and use metrics.  A mmWave sensor and ESP32 capable of detecting a stationary person(s) have a cost in the range of $15.  ESPHome has built-in support for this I believe.  A solution of this type isn't as straight-forward as just publishing a camera feed but I suspect it's actual performance would be substantially better.  Actual concrete use data likely would also benefit the lab in other ways.  


Are there downsides, maybe....  it's not something I've explored in depth.  Are there other better solutions?  Also maybe.  Dollars to donuts, someone at HSL already has experience with these sensors and can tell me why they would or would not do the job.  But I would still contend that no solution is still better than driving away quality Volunteer Time.

I am willing to try to tackle this myself and have some experience with microcontrollers and electronics.  I was a software engineer/architect before I retired.  I would gladly accept help and advice in all ways -- even competing/collaborating efforts.  I also just love geeking out if you just want to talk about presence detection strategies.  

However, the point is to make it such that the Time and Energy that quality volunteers give as comfortable and rewarding as possible.  That is the real precious asset to manage at HSL.

Sheldon McGee

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 1:46:00 PM2/11/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
Robert: I guess we entered the semantics section of the disagreement where we have to define "tool"? Is that your point with the comments about milling aluminum? And I'm so honored that my writing would be called out as rhetoric! Thanks Robert! "Aggressive loudmouth" was less nice though. 

Arnob . . . I think people ARE willing to put in the work. And I talked to many of the people that voted NO to Eric's proposal and they were all willing to make changes just didn't want to remove them altogether. Why not make THAT proposal? That we find a way to blank out faces/bodies and then work with the ops team to get it integrated? Don't make it a "remove the cameras or else" or "remove the cameras until" . . . make a coordinated effort to make an incremental change.

Better yet, don't make a proposal, just start working with people with a similar passion and ops right now. You don't need anyone's permission you just need to convince the people that know how it all works to integrate your solution! You do have to be willing to put in the work yourself! And accept that it might be rejected.

It won't be easy, but as the great philosopher Luistotle said: We don't do it because it's easy . . . we do it because we thought it would be easy!

Sheldon



--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "HeatSync Labs" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to heatsynclabs...@googlegroups.com.

Mike Wolfson

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 2:07:46 PM2/11/25
to HeatSync Labs
I really appreciate all the comments in this thread, it was insightful and important.

FWIW, I had already talked with another card holder and I am intending on creating a Proposal to get rid of live public feed (pretty much the exact same proposal that was brought up before and was voted down, same as before, I don't want to revise the proposal or keep the cameras and put them behind a "member wall").

My reasoning is simple - I know of people that are not coming to the lab because of the cameras, and that is a price I am not willing to pay, and I think it is not good for the lab.

- Mike Wolfson

Mike Wolfson

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 2:13:47 PM2/11/25
to HeatSync Labs
I want to be careful my last message didn't stop anyone from working on alternatives, and I do suggest that people work on a proposal to keep the cameras - but use them in a more responsible way.

I just wanted to be transparent, and let people know my plans towards this discussion.

-Mike W

Tim M

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 2:18:04 PM2/11/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
At least link to the ARS so everyone can understand. The cameras are not hidden, aren't in the bathrooms. 



A. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly photograph, videotape, film, digitally record or by any other means secretly view, with or without a device, another person without that person's consent under either of the following circumstances:

1. In a restroom, bathroom, locker room, bedroom or other location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and the person is urinating, defecating, dressing, undressing, nude or involved in sexual intercourse or sexual contact.

2. In a manner that directly or indirectly captures or allows the viewing of the person's genitalia, buttock or female breast, whether clothed or unclothed, that is not otherwise visible to the public.

B. It is unlawful to disclose, display, distribute or publish a photograph, videotape, film or digital recording made in violation of subsection A of this section without the consent or knowledge of the person depicted.

C. This section does not apply to:

1. Photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording for security purposes if notice of the use of photographing, videotaping, filming or digital recording equipment is clearly posted in the location and the location is one in which the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

2. Photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording by correctional officials for security reasons or in connection with the investigation of alleged misconduct of persons on the premises of a jail or prison.

3. Photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording by law enforcement officers pursuant to an investigation, which is otherwise lawful.

4. The use of a child monitoring device as defined in section 13-3001.

D. A violation of subsection A or B of this section is a class 5 felony.

E. Notwithstanding subsection D of this section, a violation of subsection A or B of this section that does not involve the use of a device is a class 6 felony, except that a second or subsequent violation of subsection A or B of this section that does not involve the use of a device is a class 5 felony.

F. Notwithstanding subsection D of this section, a violation of subsection B of this section is a class 4 felony if the person depicted is recognizable.

G. For the purposes of this section, "sexual contact" and "sexual intercourse" have the same meanings prescribed in section 13-1401. 



Regards,
Tim Moffat

From: heatsy...@googlegroups.com <heatsy...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Mike Wolfson <mwol...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 12:13:47 PM
To: HeatSync Labs <heatsy...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [HSL] Re: Reopening the Issue Involving Surveillance Cameras
 

Mike Wolfson

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 2:23:08 PM2/11/25
to HeatSync Labs
I did propose this, AND I have linked this discussion.

Probably a good idea to keep discussion in THIS thread, to not fragment it.

Julian Samaroo

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 3:56:19 PM2/11/25
to HeatSync Labs
Instead of removing these cameras, and to avoid the lack of support for the prior proposal's content, I would recommend proposing making the webcam feeds private (or member-only, but that still has privacy concerns in my mind), only viewable by the HSL board/president/CEO/whatever, to be shared with law enforcement for the purposes of an investigation as required by law or by an HSL-launched investigation, and implementing a system like the previously mentioned mmWave or similar presence systems.

Mike Wolfson

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 4:21:56 PM2/11/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
There are security cameras, that are different from the live feed cameras.

Just like the previous proposal, I don't want to change this one to have any sort of variations to allow them to stay up.

I encourage other people to work on proposals for ways that we could keep the cameras, but that's not my intention with the proposal I made. 

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "HeatSync Labs" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/heatsynclabs/qOLkMvIFT64/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to heatsynclabs...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/heatsynclabs/545ee6f7-89f5-4c5b-9e83-f4d7ee49fb0bn%40googlegroups.com.

David Crummey

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 9:37:23 PM2/11/25
to HeatSync Labs
Just to pipe in briefly and put this ARS 13-3019 thing to the side. It's explicitly about bathrooms or other places where you would have a reasonable expectation of privacy TO 1) go to the bathroom 2) get naked. As long as the lab's cameras aren't in the bathroom, I can't think of another place where this would be relevant at the Lab.

On the aspect of the public feed, I like it. It speaks to the lab's open nature and the history of some of the hacker experience. It's also useful when you want to come to the lab and don't want to drive halfway across the valley just to find that the tool you want to use has a line or a giant projects.

13-3019Surreptitious photographing, videotaping, filming or digitally recording or viewing; exemptions; classification; definitions

A. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly photograph, videotape, film, digitally record or by any other means secretly view, with or without a device, another person without that person's consent under either of the following circumstances:

1. In a restroom, bathroom, locker room, bedroom or other location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and the person is urinating, defecating, dressing, undressing, nude or involved in sexual intercourse or sexual contact.

2. In a manner that directly or indirectly captures or allows the viewing of the person's genitalia, buttock or female breast, whether clothed or unclothed, that is not otherwise visible to the public.


Antonio Contrisciani

unread,
Feb 11, 2025, 11:48:14 PM2/11/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com

This keeps being brought up during these discussions and it's become very clear that there is some confusion about it so I want to be as blunt and clear as possible. I apologize for those of you that already know this.

THERE ARE TWO SETS OF CAMERAS.

THERE ARE TWO SETS OF CAMERAS.

THERE ARE SECURITY CAMERA THAT ARE HIGH RES AND AVAILABLE TO THE BOARD ONLY FOR SECURITY. THERE ARE WEBCAMS THAT ANYONE CAN VIEW ON THE WEBSITE.

SECURITY CAMERAS

WEBCAMS.

Now that I'm done shouting. The issue is with the WEBCAMS. Any questions about security, theft prevention,etc should not enter into this discussion at all because they are not applicable. the discussion is about removal or obfuscation of the WEBCAMS.

For the background for those that did not follow the situation, the WEBCAMS have always been a hot topic of discussion going back years. Concerns about privacy and stalkers existed even before they were implemented. Previously they were of such poor quality it was considered a compromise where you could see people present but not really make out who they were. Even that compromise caused some folks to stop coming or reduce their hours in the lab. Those cameras began to fail rapidly. They were no longer functioning so going back to them is not an option. The head of operations decided under the duties of his position to replace the cameras with modern equipment. As this was considered one of his duties (replace failing hardware) he did not query the members or public in advance.

Whether or not this was the correct course of action is academic at the moment and not germane to the discussion. The change has been made and reverting is not an option. Going forward we realistically have three options available.

We can continue with the current cameras and accept the loss of personnel.

We can adjust the cameras in some way to obfuscate or limit the images.

We can remove the cameras entirely.

There is no purpose in restricting access since we already have higher res restricted access SECURITY CAMERAS for theft and safety.

Ultimately I think Mike and several others have hit the nail squarely on the head.

What is of more value to the lab right now? Seeing if someone is there on the WEBCAMS or losing the personnel who have already or plan to leave over this.

I know I personally feel that volunteers like Eric are of far more value to the lab than the perk of seeing if someone is inside the building.


Michael Mathers

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 1:37:11 AM2/12/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
Thank you for the clarification.  The two sets of cameras definitely was news to me today and reinforces your points. There simply is no replacing good people doing good work.

Jeff Sittler

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 12:59:28 PM2/12/25
to HeatSync Labs
And for the record, only one camera was replaced.  None of the other cameras were modified, replace, adjusted. 

Also, the new camera's resolution was changed to only be slightly better (going from 800x600 on the old camera to 1280x720 on the new one).  So the new camera is not "hi res" like everyone is saying/making it out to be.

Mike Wolfson

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 2:55:28 PM2/12/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
I wanted to add another discussion point in support of my proposal to remove the live feed cameras...

I am thinking of starting a book club group at the lab, and I don't necessarily want it known who is attending my book club.  It will be an "Anti-Fascist Book Club" and we will start with a book by Ruth Ben Ghiat, and then move onto a book by Dr Steven Hassan, and then ... who knows.

But I don't want the identity of my group broadcast on the internet, and I will have to find another place to host this if things don't change.

-MIke



--
***************************************************************************
Mike Wolfson                                                      Phoenix, AZ, USA
***************************************************************************

Rick Blake

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 3:01:36 PM2/12/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com

Mike, it's difficult to make the Lab a private place. That's not at all inclusive. But this is worthy of more discussion.


Chris McLaughlin

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 3:05:08 PM2/12/25
to HeatSync Labs
I am not sure how this fits. We are talking about the lab and what is best for the lab. I do not know if a book club fits in with the vibe of the lab. It might deter members from being able to use the lab for fear of making to much noise or bothering others. While I do not care either way about the cameras. I do want what is best for the lab and growing the use of it. 
I am excited to see where everyone lands on this topic. 
Chris

Rick Blake

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 3:31:29 PM2/12/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com

Chris, when I'm in the Lab during co-work I try to be respectful and quiet and avoid disruptive behavior. If a book club were in progress I would do the same. Generally we should be respectful of others at all times. I think a book cloud isn't at all contrary to the Lab ethos, but a private book club would perhaps be better suited to a truly private space. But I don't want to discourage this, just considering how it would work in the Lab.


Mike Wolfson

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 5:06:10 PM2/12/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
For this discussion forget about the book club portion of that, because I was trying to use an example related to the anti-fascist part (I was just sharing the type of political activity, and I didn't want it to sound nefarious). Whether a book club would work or not, is not important for this discussion.

Forget I mentioned a book club, but keep in mind the part about not wanting to be seen on camera doing certain things (again those things are perfectly legal, and within the bounds of activities done at HSL).


Mike Wolfson

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 5:11:04 PM2/12/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
I personally am going unsubscribe to responses now, because I want to avoid being distracted by this for 2 weeks.

Hopefully we can come to a reasonable solution at our next HYH.  Cheers.

-MIke

Rick Blake

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 5:15:40 PM2/12/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com

We'll, it's basic to the discussion that the cameras are a concern to people who would prefer to not be identified. It's never been about their activities, as far as I recall. The public feed, at least, is at issue. It's one thing to be in the Lab and realize your activities are in sight or hearing of others, another thing that they are recorded and/or available on our public website. I'm sensitive to the latter, but I'm unable to reconcile the former with the Lab's purpose and operation. But I'm open to understanding it better.


Mike Wolfson

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 5:25:39 PM2/12/25
to HeatSync Labs
Forget I mentioned the book club, as I don't think it is pertinent to this discussion, I wish I never said it because it is a sidetrack.

(I really am going to opt out now, I am just wanting to avoid being passive-aggressive, and do want to avoid un-necessary and un-related controversy)

Eric Ose

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 5:59:01 PM2/12/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
I think the topic of reasons to not want to be on camera isn't super important. As long as someone wants to not have their photos posted online they should have the choice not to.

One reason I would sometimes prefer to not be seen on camera was to avoid people popping in expecting me to help them to help them or discuss things with them. I know this may sound anti-social, but personal projects should be a thing. For those who are very helpful to lots of people around the lab it often results in people assuming they can come and get help whenever is convenient for them.

Eric Ose
Robot Ambassador
Sometimes cool things just happen, but usually you have to plan them.

John Cook

unread,
Feb 12, 2025, 7:49:07 PM2/12/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
Just thinking
When the lab is open there should be a person in charge. I fact that person should have first aid training. Ditch the cameras and have a manager when the doors are open. You’re operating like a private club just for a few ignoring others. Infact like self serving bureaucrats. The few times I have been there the atmosphere was cold. Not likely to change with out good leadership. The lab is a burden on the people of Mesa wide open for lawsuits.
John Cook

Eric Ose

unread,
Feb 13, 2025, 1:28:12 AM2/13/25
to HSL Google Group
John I was very happy to help you with using the planner. That positive experience was part of what motivated me to host the woodworking day.

As to the friendliness of people hosting or at the lab in general. I suggest you should come and be the change you would like to see in the lab. I feel like that is what I had done.

My comments about disruptions were about times when I wasn't hosting open hours and the doors were locked.

There were also numerous times where it wasn't open hours on the calendar yet I unlocked the doors indicating that people could come work on their projects. I really like the fact that the lab is open to everyone. I just don't think the cameras help us with that as much as people think.

Eric Ose
Robot Ambassador

Antonio Contrisciani

unread,
Feb 14, 2025, 2:03:27 AM2/14/25
to heatsy...@googlegroups.com
To echo Eric's point, recently I wanted to come in and do some personal projects as well as work on my station. I got the work on my station done first and proceeded to work on my personal project and was maybe 2 hours into it when someone came in that wanted help with 3d printing. They came straight to me over at the laser to ask a bunch of 3d printing questions. I am always happy to help folks but I really wanted to focus on my personal project and it was ultimately not completed before I had to leave for the day. 

Now I don't know if the person saw me on the cams and recognized me and wanted to talk or if they just wandered in and were directed to me by someone in the lab or what, but folks forget that even champions and board members sometimes want to work on our own things and it shouldn't be assumed that just because we are in the lab we are available for something.

As to John, ostensibly whoever is hosting is supposed to be the manager so to speak, that's part of hosting.  Hosts should be doing the following:

Answering general questions
Insuring new folks sign the liability waiver before using any lab resources
watching to make sure machines are not misused and items are not taken out of the lab without permission
assisting with first aid if necessary within their limits
contacting emergency personnel if needed (fire, emt, police)
enforcing the code of conduct and reporting violations to the board
ejecting guests or members that are not following code of conduct or operating in an unsafe manner.

I'm not sure what you mean specifically about "the atmosphere was cold." Remember this is a volunteer organization. Anyone "working" at the lab in a capacity as an instructor, host, champion, etc is a volunteer and they make up the smallest percentage of the people actually in the lab. On a given day there may be 1 host and 6 people in the lab using machines. If the one host was rude to you that needs to be addressed but if the complaint is that there were 7 people in the lab and no one was chatting with you, well, 6 people were working on projects and one was monitoring the other 6.

The lab is a burden on the people of Mesa wide open for lawsuits. - This statement seems like it was intended just to be inflammatory. We have an incredible safety record considering the number and types of machines and resources available in the lab. The city of mesa has always welcomed us and considered us a resource for the community, not a burden.

To again echo Eric, if you want to see change, be the change. Come in, volunteer. There is a ton you can do even without a card or membership. Run classes under another host. Give tours. Be present and friendly and chat to people. Being negative without concrete examples is not only counter productive but feeds into the very atmosphere you are saying you want to avoid. If a volunteer is already sacrificing their time and expertise to come in, host, run an event, etc and then has people being unremittingly negative to them 1.) their attitude will probably sour and 2.) they won't come back or run any more events.

Our biggest loss of volunteers is attrition due to things like burnout or dissatisfaction with changes at the lab. If you have constructive criticism to help us improve, please feel free to share it publicly in the group or privately with the board, but coming into a discussion about a specific item ( the cameras) that is already a point of pain with multiple people and doomsaying is not productive.

Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages