Video Surveillance Equipment Use Laws
By Brad | November 13, 2008
Most people know there are video surveillance equipment use laws and limits when taping areas and people. The act of video taping is legal however one must follow certain rules to stay within the boundaries of their rights.
Private Place Video Use
While installing a home security camera is legal, there are some places where it’s illegal to videotape or listen to any event or conversation. Utah, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Kansas, Hawaii, Georgia, Delaware, California, Arkansas and Alabama are all strict on these laws.
These most often pertain to someone who is entering (trespassing) to record people doing something. If you do take an unauthorized recording you could be charged with a felony, spend up to two years in prison and be fined as much as $2,000.
Nudity Is Off Limits
It’s common sense to know video surveillance equipment cannot be hidden in a restroom or locker room. However, it’s important to state again that it’s illegal to video tape in any area where nudity is the purpose of the recording.
Respecting Privacy
As long as you’re not invading someone’s privacy, you can video tape in many locations. For example, you could not video tape in bedrooms, dressing rooms, locker rooms or other private areas. However, you could video tape in a home, at a park, at a party or during a school event.
While video surveillance equipment is most often used for home security purposes, it’s important to remember these laws. Landlords who are interested in installing security systems on their multi-unit properties should be especially aware of these limitations.
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