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What are My Rights Against Video Surveillance?

Posted by Cliff on from the this-is-not-a-reality-TV-show dept.

Violated Privacy asks: "A video bugging device was recently discovered in the bathroom of the house I share with three others. After sharing this find with one of the housemates, I am sure whose camera it is. Needless to say, we're both rather upset over the matter. What are our legal rights in this matter? It's not the government doing it, but another private citizen with whom we willingly (until now...) share a house. Are there special considerations? (Yes, I should ask a lawyer. I plan on doing that tomorrow when I get a chance. The problem is, most lawyers aren't exactly experts in this area.) Has anyone on Slashdot done research into this field of privacy law?"

3 of 205 comments (clear)

  1. Looks pretty expensive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I would say unplug it and hide it in a closet, then casually mention that the alarm wasn't working too well so you threw it away and bought a new one.

    Watch their reaction when they realize that their $350 just got tossed.

  2. What state? by Atzanteol · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Different states have different laws on this... For instance, in Massachusetts so long as they weren't recording *sound*, then it's perfectly legal (yes, believe it or not!).

    We *are* trying to fix this little loop-hole, but legislation has tied the bill up for a bit...

    --
    "Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge"

    - Charles Darwin
    1. Re:What state? by WhatAmIDoingHere · · Score: 4, Interesting

      A man sold a house to a nice family, in this great state we live in, but not before he installed hidden cameras in just about every room.

      He was cought after the family discovered the camera wiring during a re-model.

      The only law he was breaking? Theft of electricity.

      Maybe someday the laws will catch up with the real world.

      --
      Not a Twitter sockpuppet... but I wish I was.