Home security cameras are multipurpose, aren’t they? How do you use your security cameras? In the past, homeowners used these cameras to track deliveries and spot criminal activities. They are more creative now, thanks to advances in technology, with cameras now having super high-resolution quality. It now feels like we’re standing right in our kitchen when we look at our security cameras.
As neighborhoods become increasingly unsafe, homeowners aren’t just investing in a wrought iron fence from a Beverly Hills shop or other cities. They are also putting their money into home security systems that will provide homeowners with more control over the comings and goings in their homes. Through high-end security cameras, homeowners can monitor their nannies, caregivers, and babysitters.
What are the creative ways you have used your home security cameras? Have you ever caught your nanny reprimanding or spanking your toddler? Have you caught your teenage son cutting classes and bringing friends over without telling you? And most of all, have you ever asked yourself if it’s legal to film people in your own house?
What the Law Says
Technically, you don’t need permission to film someone in your own home. You don’t need the consent of anyone to install security cameras in your home, especially if the intention is to check the activities of your very-much-aware children. But this does not mean that you are free to do anything you want.
You cannot put a hidden camera and illegally record people in places where they expect privacy such as the bathroom and bedroom. Even if you have a stay-in nanny that you want to monitor, you can’t hide a camera in their bedroom. That’s illegal, and you could be breaking several laws on privacy.
Laws vary from state to state regarding security cameras and the prospect of using them to eavesdrop. In Virginia, for example, you can record a conversation if you are one of the participants. In Maryland, you need consent from all people in the group to record the conversation. Of course, it is illegal to use the recording for malicious activities such as blackmail. That can put you in deep legal trouble.
Limitations of Home Security Camera Use
If you are unsure about the limitations of using your home security cameras, you should check which laws apply to your state. Although you can consult a lawyer, that’s going to cost you. Why not use Google to search for eavesdropping and home security laws? As a rule of thumb, let your guests know if there are cameras in the house.
Service providers and repairmen won’t have any problems with security cameras. They know that they are being watched if they’re doing their job well. A dinner guest might take offense that you’re filming them. Put yourself in the shoes of that other person. Do you want to have the option to say, “Can you turn the camera off?” or are you okay with being filmed?
Of course, you shouldn’t have to face any trouble with your security cameras when you’re watching your furry friends. Some very creative homeowners use their security cameras to check on their pets—whether they’re chewing on the sofa or scratching the wallpaper. In the middle of a busy workday, it’s nice to see your dogs and their funny antics, too.
You shouldn’t compromise the security of your home and family. If you feel that home security cameras are needed, then know that you’re free to have them. You just need to be careful about how you’re going to use the video and audio recordings.
