There is a stark warning to webam users here. A Russian website claims its broadcasting images from 53 Irish homes which can be seen by anyone online.

Hackers have been able to access live webcams and CCTV systems because owners are not changing the default passwords that come with gadgets.

The website insists it is only trying to raise awareness for people who do not know about the problem.

Many consumers use webcams to monitor their homes and family while away, but fail to change the default password, leaving them vulnerable.

The site's alleged administrator says that its purpose was to highlight poor security.

He or she wrote that streaming the images was the only way to "contact a million" users.

"All these cameras were viewed by a lot of users and (the) camera's owners have no chance to know about it for many years," they said.

"Only mass media can help users to understand the importance to set a password."

The Data Protection Commissioner says it has no powers to have the footage removed because the host site is based outside the state.

However its advising people to ensure they have 'robust' passwords in place.

In a statement, the commissioner says: "If a website based here operated by a legitimate organisation was publishing personal data of individuals gleaned illegally from these types of devices, there would be data protection issues which we could pursue."

"However, there would likely also be a role for other authorities also in relation to the matter, such as relevant police authorities, where it is established that published footage was illegally obtained or where the entity or individual behind the publication is not clear."

Since the site was first reported on at the end of October, the number of UK webcams on the site has fallen from 1,764 to 584.

The US has the most webcams on the site, with 4,591, followed by France with 2,059.

The administrator said the site would be taken down "only when all cameras will be password protected".