Disclaimer
You must check your state and locals laws for what is legal in your area. This is information is only a general reference,it is up to You to contact your local authorities, and abide by the laws in your area.
Hidden Camera Laws
The laws of 13 states expressly prohibit the unauthorized installation or use of cameras in private places.
In Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Utah, installation or use of any device for photographing, observing or overhearing events or sounds in a private place without permission of the people photographed or observed is against the law.
A private place is one where a person may reasonably expect to be safe from unauthorized surveillance. Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Utah also prohibit trespassing on private property to conduct surveillance of people there.
In most of these states, unauthorized installation or use of hidden cameras is a felony, punishable by a 2000.00 fine and up to 2 years in prison.
Several states have laws prohibiting the use of hidden cameras in only certain circumstances, such as in locker rooms or restrooms, or for the purpose of viewing a person in a state of partial or full nudity.
The above information is intended to give you basic information of "hidden" camera laws that are in your state. We advise you consult your local & state laws before installing any "hidden" camera.
Some General Guidelines on video surveillance
In general, most video recordings are legal in the U.S. with or without consent.
Laws do exist regarding “Invasion of Privacy” which deals with the area of expected privacy. These include areas such as bathrooms, locker rooms, changing/dressing rooms, bedrooms and other areas where a person should expect a high level of personal privacy.
While the majority of laws dealing with video recording privacy issues tend to allow surreptitious recording and monitoring of video activity under most circumstances without notification of any of the parties involved, it is highly recommended that you consult with your local or state law enforcement or an attorney who specializes in this area to comply with all local and regulations prior to utilization of video surveillance and monitoring.
Covert video surveillance is illegal when:
- The subject has a reasonable expectation of privacy (4th Amendment rights) i.e. in a bathroom; motel room; changing room
If audio eavesdropping is also taking place, covert surveillance may be illegal when:
- The person with authority over the premises has not consented
- The reason for the video surveillance fosters an illegal purpose
Glossary of Terms & Technical Specifications
Choosing A Digital Video Recorder
Frames per second Demonstration
Live Remote View Demonstration
Choosing A Surveillance Camera
