She could be watching. But experts say it's possible to identify people and get an accurate image of a dashboard or headlight from a Web cam photo.
Users can even take a snapshot and send it as an electronic postcard.
The cams bring up safety and privacy concerns for the Detroit Automobile Dealers Association, which sponsors the annual show. DADA and Microsoft, which will operate four cams, drafted an official Web cam policy this year. Operators must get permission 10 days before broadcasting, and all outbound signals must pass through Microsoft monitors. Microsoft will not operate its Web cams during the black-tie Charity Preview Jan. 14. The number of executives and other dignitaries present at the annual gala presented security risks, Hickling said.