Systems and methods for secure video devices

A secure video device, comprising:

• a camera for capturing video or still images;
• and
• a privacy module coupled to the camera and in communication with a computing device,
• wherein the computing device detects unauthorized access to the camera by an unauthorized user attempting to electronically access the camera and, in response to detection of unauthorized access, activates the privacy module to obscure the field of view of the camera to secure the camera;
• wherein the privacy module includes a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) module with a PDLC wafer, the PDLC wafer including a glass window layer, an optically-clear adhesive (OCA) layer, a PDLC film layer, and copper film contacts;
• and
• wherein the PDLC wafer is mechanically and electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) of the privacy module by way of one or more conductive gaskets and springs.