The new docuseries ‘Spy High’ explores the Lower Merion “WebcamGate” scandal, writes Rosa Cartagena for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In 2010, the Lower Merion School District was accused of secretly recording students using school-issued laptops.
The Spy High series follows Harriton High School student Blake Robbins, a 15-year-old accused of selling drugs based on a photo captured by his laptop’s webcam without his knowledge. The image, showing Robbins holding a Mike and Ike candy, was misinterpreted by officials as a pill. This incident led Robbin’s parents to sue the district, alleging violations of the Fourth Amendment and privacy laws.
The case revealed that the district had equipped 2,300 Apple Macbooks with tracking software designed to locate missing devices. The software remotely activated webcams, taking photos and screenshots every 15 minutes. While intended for theft recovery, some laptops were monitored due to unpaid insurance fees, even when not reported stolen.
Over two years, the system captured more than 56,000 images, including hundreds of Robbins in his room, some while sleeping or shirtless. The scandal resulted in a $610,000 settlement, with $175,000 awarded to Robbins.
“Spy High” is an executive produced by Mark Wahlberg and will be streamed on Amazon Prime in April.
Read more about the Spy High docuseries centering around the Lower Merion School District scandal in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in January 2025.
