The digital technical revolution has molded our society in many ways, from the way we travel, communicate, and even the way that we deter crime. In 1965, public security cameras became more common in stores, restaurants, and crowded locations, and later on in 1969, the first video home security system was introduced. Today, there are approximately thirty million private security cameras installed in the United States alone, and one thing is clear: Security cameras are in. In fact, they can even be purchased on Amazon for as little as $25.
However, in a world of video surveillance, it is important that we consider our own privacy as well as the privacy of others. In order to effectively do this, it is imperative to clarify what is legal or illegal in regards to placing security cameras inside of homes and in other spaces.
1. For the most part, it is legal to place security cameras anywhere outside.
According to video surveillance laws, this is usually considered “fair game”, which is why many businesses or homeowners place cameras all around the outside of the building. Ideally, this aids as a deterrent for crimes such as burglary, robbery, and theft. However, some restrictions do apply even outdoors. For instance, cameras can not be pointed into someone else’s home or private spaces as it becomes an invasion of privacy issue. Not only this, but personal, handheld recording devices cannot be used outside to commit other criminal acts, such as staging a burglary or taking pictures up a person’s shirt or skirt.
2. There are a few rooms where indoor security cameras are off limits.
As a homeowner, you can legally place a security camera anywhere inside of your home as long as it is visible to guests and unconcealed. However, when it comes to stores and restaurants, things get a little bit tricky, and you have to be careful to make sure that you are not committing a criminal act or held liable for any customers’ perceived lack of privacy. Ultimately, you cannot place a security camera anywhere in which privacy is expected; this includes hotel rooms, locker rooms, and public bathrooms. The reason for this is purely common sense: No one should have to be conscious of being filmed or broadcasted in an intimate setting.
3. Security cameras are not disallowed in dressing rooms.
There is one exception to the “no cameras where privacy is expected” rule, and it is one that I’m not sure many people are aware of. Believe it or not, security cameras are completely legal inside of dressing rooms. In fact, according to Legal Beagle, there are only thirteen states that outlaw cameras in this intimate setting including Georgia, Alabama, and Delaware. While this lack of legal restriction may seem contradictory to the last statement, the logic behind this is that nudity is not required in dressing rooms, thus undressing entirely is a person’s own choice. Luckily, however, the majority of companies and businesses refrain from placing security cameras in dressing rooms not due to issues regarding privacy laws, but because they do not want to upset or estrange their customers.
In conclusion, security cameras today are a great, affordable way to protect your belongings from criminals, and using them can be quite easy as long as the user is aware of the video surveillance laws present.
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