Hidden cameras are generally allowed in the US, as long as the rules for reasonable expectation of privacy and one-party consent are followed. Additionally, 11 out of 15 states with home security camera laws allow their use with certain conditions. It’s important to research and understand the specific laws and regulations in your state before installing any surveillance equipment.

Not too long ago, “nanny cams” made a huge splash among parents and anyone else who wanted to monitor their homes while they were away. These were cameras that were often hidden in teddy bears that were designed to let parents keep an eye on their babysitters.

In most states, these types of hidden cameras are legal to use in your home, even if you do not have the consent of the person being recorded.

It is generally not legal, as you likely would guess, to place a hidden camera into someone else’s home – even if your kid is being cared for there.

USING HIDDEN SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS IN PUBLIC PLACES

In many states, you can use hidden cameras in public places. People who are out in public spaces are already giving up their privacy by virtue of where they are.

When people enter public restrooms, locker rooms, or other similar spaces, most states do honor the reasonable right to privacy. If cameras are present in these areas, they generally cannot be hidden.

EMPLOYERS USING HIDDEN RECORDING EQUIPMENT

The same rules for homes and public places apply in most areas of workplaces, as well.

While employers typically do have the right to place hidden cameras throughout the workplace, they nearly always choose to make the cameras highly visible to encourage employees to be on their best behavior.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU´RE BEING WATCHED

If you are concerned that someone has illegally placed a hidden camera in your home or office, you can hire a private investigator to have both hidden cameras and audio bugs found and removed from your property.

Please note: The vast majority of private investigators are not actually qualified to perform bug sweeps. Many who have training from the law enforcement community do not have the funds to purchase the cutting edge detection equipment needed. The detection devices we use typically need to be updated every 5 years or so to keep in line with changes in hidden device technology – and this renewal of equipment often has a price tag in the tens of thousands of dollars.

There are different laws against hidden cameras in the US. California has stricter regulations, considering any video recording of confidential communication illegal, even with consent. On the other hand, Georgia allows video surveillance in both private and public settings as long as the cameras are visible. If you suspect you've been recorded without consent you can appeal to these laws as long as you have evidence. As private investigators and former Federal agents, we are well-versed in the hidden surveillance regulations and can help you detect any while supporting your case.

There are private investigators in our industry who buy a “magic wand” online and pretend they are sweeping your home or business. That’s just a ruse.

At Martin Investigative Services, we routinely perform bug sweeps and do physical and electronic scans of properties to uncover hidden recording devices and cameras, and we even offer a full 100% money-back guarantee on these services.

You can see some pictures of some of actual hidden devices we’ve found over the years right here.

Especially in the corporate world, secret surveying equipment is more common than you might imagine. From 1969 to 1988 the “find rate” in homes and businesses was about 4%. Since then the rate has risen dramatically and has held at a consistent 16% for the past few years.