Hidden Cameras Should Be Used to Protect and Not to Abuse
Hidden cameras are generally considered as ideal gadgets for surveillance — they’re unobtrusive, easy to carry and install and can be quite effective for monitoring and recording activities. They have been used to catch a variety of law breakers, ranging from thieves and shoplifters to drug dealers and philandering spouses. Unfortunately, these very characteristics also make hidden cams prone to misuse. Due to their availability, many people forget that hidden cams are meant to be used to protect and not to abuse.
Legal implications of hidden cam abuse
Before deciding to use hidden cameras, there are certain restrictions you have to keep in mind. Hidden cameras are considered legal provided they are:
- used to monitor and record activities that may be detrimental to general health and safety of persons concerned
- used with permission from a legal authority
- used to monitor and record activities performed in publicly accessible areas, if the hidden cam is to be used in a home or establishment
If used to monitor the nanny, cleaning lady or the mailman, for example, the hidden cam may only be installed in an area where no privacy issues may be raised. They cannot be used in areas such as the bathroom, locker room, toilet, hotel room or even the bedroom of the concerned party. These rooms are areas of the house where people will require personal privacy, so unless express consent is given, no hidden cam should be placed there. Without the other party’s permission, installing a hidden cam where it could violate privacy rights will be considered abuse.
There are also laws that require the consent of at least one party to use the hidden camera, something that most states require. There are also states that require consent of all parties, so you might have to inform people that cameras are in place. You may not choose to inform them where these gadgets are located.
Need audio? Check if it’s legal
There is also the concern of using hidden cams that record audio. There are laws at the state and federal levels that protect against illegal wiretapping and eavesdropping. Should you decide to include an audio function with your hidden camera, make sure you do not violate anyone else’s rights.
The bottomline: hidden cams are supposed to be used to deter, prevent or at least provide evidence of illegal activity in order to protect. They should not be used as an abusive form of surveillance, such as when they become instruments of malicious spying or blackmail.
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