What is considered illegal surveillance in Ohio?

Ohio Recording Law Summary: In Ohio, it is a criminal offense to use any device to record or share communications, whether they are wire, oral or electronic, without the consent of at least one person taking part in the communication. [1]

Audio & Video Recording: Ohio is a one party consent state. That means that if you are recording a conversation, only one person in that conversation has to consent. If it is an interaction between you and an officer, as long as you consent, you can film the whole thing. [2]

— To be sure, audio recording by security cameras are generally illegal under the Ohio Revised Code.8 Oct 2019 [3]

Yes. Ohio law allows telephone conversations to be tape recorded as long as one party to the conversation knows and consents to its being recorded.14 Apr 2016 [4]

Sometimes called “two-party” consent laws, it needs all parties to give verbal consent before recording can occur. As long as one-party consents, the federal Wiretap Act and most state laws that allow secret recordings permit covert recordings. Here are some examples of consent: Directly when one party records another.31 Mar 2022 [5]

As noted above, Ohio is not a state that requires consent for audio recordings. You can feel free to set up a camera in your home to monitor your nanny and make sure your children are safe even when you are not present.31 Aug 2020 [6]

Many states have single-party consent laws. This means that just one party involved in the conversation needs to be aware that it is being recorded. If you’re the one recording the conversation, for example, you do not have to reveal this to the other party. Washington, D.C. also has single-party consent laws. [7]