Is it Legal to Record Video with a Hidden Camera in Your Home?

Generally, it is legal in the United States to record video with a hidden camera in your home without the consent of the person you're recording. This is one of the primary reasons why the use of hidden cameras is becoming more common among parents who have to leave their kids at home with a nanny or babysitter while they’re at work. But before you place a hidden camera in your home, it's a good idea to research the laws in your state. 

The most important aspect of digital recording to bear in mind is the difference between audio recording and video recording. Across the country, the laws regarding audio surveillance are much stricter. In most states, it's illegal to record hidden camera video in areas where your subjects have a reasonable expectation of privacy. These areas include bathrooms and bedrooms.

Not every state expressly bans the use of hidden cameras in places where a subject might have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The bottom line is, don’t assume it's legal--or morally acceptable--to record a subject without his or her consent in any private area.

Many of the video cameras that we sell on our site are also capable of recording audio, so it is important to be aware of your local laws.