I’m curious about the legality of placing a security camera on an abandoned building in the USA. The camera would record a public street in front of the building, and I’m not overly concerned about the trespassing aspect. My main questions are:
Looking for advice or insights on potential risks or consequences.
Filming public spaces is generally allowed since there’s no expectation of privacy in public. However, mounting a camera on property you don’t own could lead to trespassing charges or the property owner removing your camera. If you’re caught, you might not be able to retrieve it.
@Malcolm
Recording video in public is typically fine, but audio recording might vary depending on state laws. Some states require consent for audio recording, even in public spaces, especially if there’s a reasonable expectation of privacy in the conversation.
How are you planning to power the camera and provide internet access for it?
Ronald said:
How are you planning to power the camera and provide internet access for it?
I’m using a cellular camera with its own data plan. For power, I’ll use an external battery pack. The camera would only be active for a few hours on specific days to capture certain events, and I’d retrieve it periodically.
Filming public spaces is protected under the First Amendment in the U.S. However, mounting a camera on someone else’s property without permission is a separate issue. Trespassing and property laws could come into play.
If you’re placing a camera on someone else’s property, it could lead to legal consequences if the property owner finds out. This could escalate if the camera is being used to surveil someone connected to the property.
Even if recording public spaces is legal, mounting equipment on property you don’t own is likely illegal. Cities may also have rules about mounting devices on private or public property.
Would you want someone mounting a camera on your property without permission? The answer is no. It’s likely trespassing, and the property owner could take legal action.