Home Security Systems

the italian idol asked:


people other than police use them almost everywhere.
so they can’t do it in your home. how about in your own office, is it private or public place? and how about hidden cameras of reality and investigative tv shows?

7 Responses to “aren’t spy cameras and hidden cameras illegal?”

1. Mikie Likes It! Says:
   July 24th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

   They are illegal in public dressing rooms and public bathrooms. Also in certain areas where people aren’t aware that their privacy is being violated. Common areas are ok obviously for security reasons. There have been numerous news stories about clothes shop owners or their employees doing this and getting their pants sued off (no pun intended) when they get caught. Just to own them or buy them, however, is not illegal in itself.

2. HarleyGirlSD Says:
   July 25th, 2009 at 11:01 pm

   Technically, no.

   For example, if you’re in a store, you’re consenting to monitoring by virtue of coming thru their front door.

3. xseal5ox Says:
   July 27th, 2009 at 1:54 am

   actually it isn’t in only certain public places such as bathrooms and private places as such. However with authority becuase u r a police or cia u r “legally” working under the law and are able to put survailance where u deem nessecary. If u r a normal citizen u may but only in public places that are open such as the park.

4. William S Says:
   July 30th, 2009 at 2:44 am

   yes and no. No they are not illegal if they post a sign that you may be under survelliance. Yes, they are illegal, but only in some states if there is no warning. It really depends on your state. Some states have a privacy right either passed by statute or part of the state constitution. Those states with a privacy right require prior notice before certain things can be recorded, whether it be by audio divice or video. One expects to have privacy in the bathroom, or in the shower, even it is public at the gym locker room for example. Hidden cameras in such places, and there are some people who have put them there, are illegal if one expects privacy. But, if a sign is posted that this area is under survelliance, well possibly that right of privacy is waived. We have become very security conscious, which is why they have shown up everywhere. But watch for the signs and expect you are being photographed when you see them. It is a price we are paying for our belief we can stop crime and other bad acts by putting everyone under big brother’s watchful eye.

5. witwwat Says:
   July 31st, 2009 at 5:20 am

   The real answer is in the definition of:

   ….”reasonable expectation of privacy”….

   You can reasonably expect privacy in a bathroom stall or shower, but not so much in the hand washing area of the restroom.

   In a public place, you have no expectation of privacy, and no right to complain if you are filmed.

   This gets complicated because it is legal to video restrooms for public safety in most states, and just as legal to stand under a steel mesh staircase and look up under the clothes of the people coming down.

   Best observation is, if they have cameras up, they probably checked the law.

6. lansingstudent09101 Says:
   August 1st, 2009 at 12:56 am

   no expectation of privacy in a public place. Currently there are even cases where people with “upskirt” cameras are trying to win based on the “no expectation of privacy in a public place” precedent. In my state it’s only illegal to take video WITH sound and no concent or without sound in places that one could reasonably expect to be private, like dressing rooms and bathrooms. It’s usually a good idea to put up a sign that says “Recording devices used on the premisis” or something of that sort to allow people to consent by “choosing to stay”.

7. hexeliebe Says:
   August 3rd, 2009 at 6:24 am

   THe CORRECT answer depends on where you live and under what circumstances the device is being used and what portion of the transaction is being recorded.

   The question, as asked, is not illegal.