IS IT ILLEGAL TO RECORD AUDIO ON SECURITY CAMERA?
Technologically, yes. Your CCTV system is fully capable of recording sound. Most cameras are either equipped with microphones or have an input for an external mic. For commercial cameras, it’s typically the latter. Many CCTV microphones can record quality audio up to six meters away.
CAN SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS HAVE AUDIO?
SECURITY CAMERAS WITH AUDIO
Adding audio capability to your security cameras can help make your business safer, more productive, and secure because it allows owners to hear conversations and helps them to better protect their employees. However, using an audio recording device, such as a security cameras system with audio, to record telephone and phone conversations, or conversations in a room or car, is illegal. United States Code, Title 18, Section 2510 says that verbal communication between two people believing that their conversation is not being intercepted is justifiable reason to assume it is not being recorded. In plain words, it means that security cameras with audio are not legal unless both parties know it is taking place. In order for security cameras with audio to be legal, one or all parties (depending of the state you live in) must be literally told that recording is occurring, and there must also be a sign posted that clearly reveals that audio recording is taking place.
It is up to you to ensure that your clients, customers, employees, etc. don’t have any expectation of privacy when at your business if you are using an security cameras with audio and video. Most of this can be achieved with proper signage. If, for example, a customer comes into your business and they see visible signs that say “AUDIO RECORDING IN PROGRESS” or something to that effect, then they surely cannot assume that their conversations will be private. By choosing to remain in your place of business, they are in effect giving legal consent to being recorded. However, if you’re considering to add security cameras with audio or hidden security cameras with audio to your security camera system, you’ll want to carefully research the florida surveillance camera laws in your state to avoid potential lawsuits and/or criminal charges. Recording conversations with a security cameras system with audio can be a violation of privacy, so it’s crucial to not only research – but also understand your state’s laws.
Is it illegal to record audio on security camera?
Florida surveillance camera laws
One Party Consent Statutes
Security cameras with audio are currently allowed in 38 States plus the District of Columbia. These 38 States that allow individuals to record conversations through security cameras with audio and video with the knowledge or consent of at least one person being recorded and do not require them to tell the other party. This law is called a “one-party consent” statute. These states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming and the District of Columbia.
Security Cameras with Audio State by State Laws:
Security cameras system with audio on 12 states require the consent of every member of the conversation when audio is being recorded. These states are: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington. In California, there is an exception – you can record a conversation with the consent of only one party if criminal activity (kidnapping, extortion, bribery or a violent felony) is involved. Some states have made laws against the criminal use of security cameras with audio and video even when consent is given.
As many as 24 states outlaw the use of hidden security cameras with audio installed in private places. Regardless of the state, it is almost always illegal to record a conversation with a security cameras with audio capabilities to which you are not a party, do not have consent to record, and could not naturally overhear. Federal law and most state laws also make it illegal to disclose the contents of an illegally intercepted call or record communication with a security cameras system with audio. For this reason, users must ensure that they follow the laws of their state before employing audio recording security camera systems.
SECURITY CAMERAS SYSTEM WITH AUDIO
Before installing your business security cameras with audio, at Dicsan Technology, we recommend that you understand all federal, state, and local laws regarding security cameras with audio and video and hidden security cameras with audio to avoid any non-compliance. Our team of knowledgeable Security Advisors will be more than happy to answer your questions or provide you with more information regarding using or installing security cameras with audio.
* Please note: Dicsan Technology assumes no liability or responsibility for the use or installation of security cameras system with audio that do not comply with local standards, or laws.
