Authorities in a District 1 ward in Ho Chi Minh City have relocated a security camera installed in a public toilet following a report by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Many readers had reported feeling uncomfortable about a camera positioned inside the public restroom at Tan Dinh Market in the namesake ward in central District 1, managed by District 1 Public Services Company Limited.

The camera, which was situated in the restroom, could potentially cover the men’s area. Due to the restroom's small size, avoiding the camera's view was difficult.

The restroom manager explained that the camera was meant only to monitor people entering and exiting the restroom.

However, concerns were raised that the camera's angle could be adjusted to observe other areas, including the women’s restroom.

N., a vendor at Tan Dinh Market, said that while she was told the camera was for monitoring entry and exit, she and other vendors still felt uneasy.

H., a first-time restroom user from Thu Duc City, also expressed discomfort, noting that cameras are typically placed outside, not inside, restrooms in shopping malls.

"In crowded shopping malls, restrooms usually don’t have cameras inside; they are placed outside," H. said.

"When I first entered this restroom, I didn’t notice the camera overhead.

"Now I feel uneasy.

"Seeing a camera like that is very uncomfortable!"

On Friday, a representative from the People’s Committee of Tan Dinh Ward stated that they had received no previous reports about this issue.

After Tuoi Tre’s report, the ward coordinated with local police and market management to investigate.

The inspection revealed that the camera was positioned to monitor the restroom entrance and was used by District 1 Public Services Company Limited to oversee the cashier area, where restroom usage fees are collected, and to ensure security.

The representative confirmed that the camera could not view the restroom's interior.

To address public concerns, the working group documented the incident and requested that District 1 Public Services Company Limited cease operating the camera and relocate it.

The company agreed and has since moved the device to a more appropriate location.

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