Are security cameras legal in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Video Surveillance Laws In Philadelphia, you can legally record video in public areas without consent. However, in areas where people expect privacy, such as bathrooms or dressing rooms, it’s illegal to have video surveillance. [1]

Years ago, most nanny cams were only capable of recording video. Today, thanks to advances in technology, nanny cams can record video and sound. However, recording someone else’s voice without their consent in Pennsylvania is against the law. That’s because Pennsylvania is a “two-party” consent state.8 Nov 2019 [2]

It is Not Legal to Record Sound on Surveillance All thanks to the federal wiretap law. To sum up the law, it is a federal crime to record a conversation between two employees in places like a break room or the bathroom. The only way that recording sound is legal is if one or more parties give their consent.19 Aug 2020 [3]

Since recording an in-person conversation or electronic communication is illegal, this activity is a felony offense. The illegally recorded party can sue to recover actual damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and court cases.20 June 2017 [4]

All tenants are permitted to install cameras throughout their homes, be they hidden or visible. That doesn’t mean, however, that tenants aren’t held to certain standards when installing their cameras.12 Aug 2021 [5]

Pennsylvania is a “two-party consent state” meaning that, under Pennsylvania’s Wiretap Act, 18 Pa. C.S. §5701 et seq., recording a telephone call or conversation without both parties’ consent is illegal. You could be subject to criminal and/or civil prosecution.3 Mar 2020 [6]

It is not illegal to record someone without their consent in a public place if they are visible and audible, especially if they don’t have reasonable expectations of privacy. But in a private setting, such as a bathroom or changing area, recording someone without their knowledge is illegal.31 Mar 2022 [7]

Pennsylvania is a “two-party consent state,” meaning, generally, that both parties to a private conversation1 need to be aware of, and consent to, the recording of that conversation. [8]