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Video Surveillance Cameras: Breaching Privacy or Ensuring Safety?

By: Nahshon Roberts

The United States has laws that differ in every state governing the presence of video security in bathrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms. Aside from these, video surveillance don't necessarily need public consent before set up and is typically legal.

However, there are 13 US states that definitely ban the set up of devices to observe events and overhear conversations in private areas without the agreement of the people. These states are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Utah.

Conversations you wouldn't hear normally are protected by laws strictly prohibiting recording. Any person who uses video security that records conversation on communication devices like a phone face up to a year incarceration and no more than $2,500 in penalties, as stated by the California Penal Code.

Legalities Aplenty

Public establishments like shopping malls, hospitals, and banks benefit from video security. Business and homes are secured with surveillance systems. However, a lot of people feel that these cameras breach their privacy.

Human rights activists have protested the breach of privacy in public churches of worship, public transport, and other public areas, and have accused businesses and government entities of encroaching into people's privacy.

On the other hand, lobbyists of surveillance insist that it is required in the office or home for the people's security.

The only way a private home or business can set up a security system is by publicly announcing that it exists. This offers people the choice whether to stay or leave the place. This is also a foolproof way to safeguard one's self from breach of privacy lawsuits.

Numerous moral and legal problems have since risen from this conflict. The government constantly does their best to balance security and privacy. As part of anti-terrorism measures, though, most public places have since been installed with surveillance.

In homes, it's unlawful to set up security systems in bathrooms and bedrooms. Establishments that give accommodation like inns, motels, and hotels should be cautious of this.

It's unlawful to spy on your family. To be secure instead of sorry, it's better to understand the local laws governing home surveillance. Your surveillance provider can also advise you of these.

About the author

Dummy security cameras are nothing like digital video surveillance systems. Before investing in one, read the Internet video camera review from Video-Surveillance-Guide.com.

Article Source: http://www.articleretreat.com

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