Had a friend ask me something today im not so sure about. He told me he found hidden camera's and voice activator's hidden in his workspace. This is not a area where there needs to be anything like this. there is nothing to steal or say that would be detrimental,for anyone. he works the desk of a large condiminium that has three elevator's. He asked one of his bosse's and was told not to say anything or he might get fired. According to him, the head man or boss is so lazy, he doesn't want to leave his condo, so he just sleeps late and watches and listens to everyone on hidden moniters. I'm of the belief that unless the party is notified this is a strict rule of privacy invasion. My friend said the guy is paroniod , but really need s the job and came to me for advice.The manager has not notified anyone and there are even camera's on the elevators that most of the owner's are not even aware of.:sad3:
Although it differs on certain details from state to state, the only places that a business owner can not install cameras are in places where "privacy is assumed" (i.e., bathrooms and changing areas).
However there's a catch. It is possible for the business owner to install cameras in areas where "privacy is assumed" if they openly post signs indicating that this form of surveilance is being employed.
The biggest differences on a state by state basis is the use of audio with video recordings. Some states (like WI) will not allow audio to be combined with the video unless, again, there are openly posted signs indicating that this is being employed.
In the case of a workspace, even though most people would probably feel the same as you feel (invaded), this is not an area which would be classified like a bathroom or a changing area and therefore is within the business owner's right to video record.
The use of combining audio recordings could be a different issue however, depending on your local laws. However, the issue with audio recordings is actually geared more towards the general public (i.e., non-emplyees visiting the place of business) and can be sidestepped when a business owner can justify audio recording and monitoring as an essential training tool (i.e, the need to hear how you talk on the phone with clients, make sales pitches, promises, guarantees and warranty issues, etc.).
However there's a catch. It is possible for the business owner to install cameras in areas where "privacy is assumed" if they openly post signs indicating that this form of surveilance is being employed.
The biggest differences on a state by state basis is the use of audio with video recordings. Some states (like WI) will not allow audio to be combined with the video unless, again, there are openly posted signs indicating that this is being employed.
In the case of a workspace, even though most people would probably feel the same as you feel (invaded), this is not an area which would be classified like a bathroom or a changing area and therefore is within the business owner's right to video record.
The use of combining audio recordings could be a different issue however, depending on your local laws. However, the issue with audio recordings is actually geared more towards the general public (i.e., non-emplyees visiting the place of business) and can be sidestepped when a business owner can justify audio recording and monitoring as an essential training tool (i.e, the need to hear how you talk on the phone with clients, make sales pitches, promises, guarantees and warranty issues, etc.).
Camera Privacy Question
Don't know exactly what the laws are min Texas , however it seems like he is right on the line . This property is in a high rise and it seems that the manager would have to let the owners know they are being recorded. There are even audio and video on the elevator's and this really seems to cross the line.The homeowners association is not even aware of it and i would think they should know their resposibilities in the event of a suit brough by someone that doesn't like to be recorded.
Don't know exactly what the laws are min Texas , however it seems like he is right on the line . This property is in a high rise and it seems that the manager would have to let the owners know they are being recorded. There are even audio and video on the elevator's and this really seems to cross the line.The homeowners association is not even aware of it and i would think they should know their resposibilities in the event of a suit brough by someone that doesn't like to be recorded.
I couldn't find anything specifically for Texas, but here's some general guidelines:
In general, most video recordings are legal in the U.S. with or without consent.
Laws do exist regarding “Invasion of Privacy” which deals with the area of expected privacy. These include areas such as bathrooms, locker rooms, changing/dressing rooms, bedrooms and other areas where a person should expect a high level of personal privacy.
While the majority of laws dealing with video recording privacy issues tend to allow surreptitious recording and monitoring of video activity under most circumstances without notification of any of the parties involved, it is highly recommended that you consult with your local or state law enforcement or an attorney who specializes in this area to comply with all local and regulations prior to utilization of video surveillance and monitoring.
Some General Guidelines on video surveillance:
Covert video surveillance is illegal when:
In general, most video recordings are legal in the U.S. with or without consent.
Laws do exist regarding “Invasion of Privacy” which deals with the area of expected privacy. These include areas such as bathrooms, locker rooms, changing/dressing rooms, bedrooms and other areas where a person should expect a high level of personal privacy.
While the majority of laws dealing with video recording privacy issues tend to allow surreptitious recording and monitoring of video activity under most circumstances without notification of any of the parties involved, it is highly recommended that you consult with your local or state law enforcement or an attorney who specializes in this area to comply with all local and regulations prior to utilization of video surveillance and monitoring.
Some General Guidelines on video surveillance:
Covert video surveillance is illegal when:
- The subject has a reasonable expectation of privacy (4th Amendment rights) i.e. in a bathroom; motel room; changing room
- If audio eavesdropping is also taking place
- The person with authority over the premises has not consented
- The reason for the video surveillance fosters an illegal purpose
