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As far as the law goes, outdoor security cameras are fair game in public spaces. Today we can see them attached to all kinds of buildings pointing down to the public spaces below. The problems arise if cameras point somewhere private, either if it’s unintentional. For example, a neighbor may have a surveillance camera pointing in the direction of your house as it records an area of their own property. Or perhaps they have a camera monitoring the garden shed that also captures your back garden in its field of view (FOV). And when a camera points toward one of your windows, well, that can cause some legitimate distress too.
If you have issues, here are your two options:
Privacy laws on new technologies are always evolving and changing—drones being a classic example. In general, individuals who operate private surveillance cameras may not be accountable under the privacy act. However, they could be answerable to the following bodies:
Let’s say a security camera aims at your house, especially its windows. And let’s also assume it doesn’t pick up any of the neighbor’s property or grounds in its FOV? In this case it’s a blatant invasion of your privacy. If the camera just catches your house as part of a broader area, then it’s probably not invading your privacy, at least not deliberately. Even if they are recording your personal outdoor space, you may not be in a position to qualify for an invasion of privacy claim. This is still one of those gray areas that are not clear-cut in legal terms, because it’s not always easy to prove a case.
What about if the neighbor’s camera points toward your garden or yard only, even if it’s obvious? Again, there are no laws yet to say that they can’t record open spaces outside of their own. This will be an obvious disappointment to people who spend a lot of time in their gardens.
The whole idea of outdoor home security cameras is to catch a thief, not catch a neighbor. Alas, conflicts between neighbors and security cameras are fast becoming common disputes. Even though we live in a world were security cameras are everywhere, none of us expect neighbors to capture video of us in the privacy of our own homes. It’s a growing menace though. I think this problem will get worse before it gets better as the outdoor weatherproof cameras continue to get more affordable.
There’s no getting away from the fact that home security cameras can be a godsend. They can deter or catch criminals in the act, identify vandals or simply keep an eye on the kids when they’re outside playing. The secret here is to use them wisely and respect the privacy of neighbors. There are all kinds of cameras that we can use to customize our security setup. In most cases, with the right cameras in proper positions, there shouldn’t be any need to include large parts of a neighbor’s house or garden in the camera’s field of view.
The three questions to ask yourself about your own outdoor setup are:
Conflicts and lawsuits between neighbors can go on for years sometimes. No one should have to live in that kind of environment, but some do. So as you secure the outside of your home and any outbuildings, you should at least consider the privacy of your neighbors as you design and setup your security system.[1], [2]
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Ok, so my neighbor has a security camera on the back of her house. Today while I was outside i saw a man get on a ladder, go up and point the camera right towards our backyard, not once but twice he did This! Can I get them on fov?
Sorry Debra, what do you mean when you say, "Can I get them on fov?".
My neighbor who is a busy body has a camera pointed directly in my front window. Her camera is not in Plainview. It's in her house. What can I do
Take a picture of the camera looking at you and go and have a chat with your neighbor and explain that this is very disconcerting and ask them to stop. Please let us know how you get on.
If my neighbor points a camera directly at my place, isn't that against the law. It doesn't point at there place, it sits on a fence post of there's pointing directly at my place. What can I do?
If my neighbor points a camera directly at my house, isn't that against the law? It doesn't point at their property at all, and they have a sign saying " smile u are on camera". What can I do?
Have you tried contacting your local authority or police?
Yes as I understand it, it is. Have you tried to talk to them about it?
I am having a serious problem with my next door neighbor. She now has put up cameras but one of the cameras are pointed directly to my carport. What can I do about this, Please HELP
First thing you can do is ask to have a chat about her camera, and that it is making you feel uncomfortable. The second thing you can do is remind her it is illegal to point a camera at a neighbour's property. You may want to check the exact facts with your local authority before having the chat.
Can they record my child sun bathing in my yard
Have a read of this comment, it is very informative:
https://burglarfreezone.com/security-cameras/neighbors/#comment-471
HI
Q: my new neighbor has put surveillance cameras but one is pointed directly into my yard and home. He has a small walk space going towards his back yard, but camera is not pointing in that direction. I don’t have at this time my yard fenced up but working on it. So I feel so uncomfortable with his camera pointing into my yard.
What is the best reasonable way to approach the situation?
One way is just to say, "can I have a chat about the positioning of your camera because it is making you feel uncomfortable." In addition, I understand it is against the law to point a camera at a neighbour's property. Hope this helps.
I have security camera on the side of my house. And its catching neighbor sides of his house too. No windows or anything. Just walls. Is that illegal?
If you are worried about it, show your neighbor the footage, explain why you have a camera and check they don’t have a problem with it.
Ok I understand camera is to protect ourselves and family.
But when they installed a spy camera meaning a fake out side light that never lights up when you go up the driveway. But yes it is pointed to my home every time someone comes to the house what a coincidence that he opens his garage steps outside for a minute and then he goes back inside shutting the garage and we been neighbors for 14 years and other times he haves brand new rv and I noticed that where I walk in my backyard the camera on his Rv follows me..I have nothing to hide but it bothers me that after so many years he is doing this to me.....
Yes I understand this is very disconcerting. Have you tried talking with your neighbor and explaining how you feel. Try taking a video of the camera following you on your mobile phone and show him. As a last resort, you could have a talk with a lawyer and get them to send a cease and desist letter.
My neighbor states his truck got vandalized in apartment complex back alley..he placed cameras in front of his house directing to my car is this illegal for him to do that..he watching my car I am the only one that drives so I feel very uncomfortable he is acting as a stalker he always looking out his windows when he knows we outside our house I am single parent w 2 young boys ..what can I do about this .
If your car is on private land then, as I understand, it is illegal. Have you checked with your local authority?
Hi, I live in Arlington Texas, recently my neighbor installed security cameras that I can see from my bedroom and another that overlooks my yard. I am meeting with him Monday on my concerns b/c the one that points into my bedroom and overlooks my patio I have concerns with. My wife feels violated and loves to lay out to catch the sun and now feels exposed in her own yard. Do you have any suggestions to help my argument with him?
As I understand it, it is against the law to use video cameras that looks over your neighbour's land. I suggest you check with your local authority and your local police force.
have people next door that are always looking at me & my property , & now they put up camera pointing right in my living room window , & they don't even use there door it,s blocked off n i live in a trailer 5 ft. apart not only watching but listening to & talking n making noise therw the intercom system what can i do...?
The first thing I would do is report this to the local authority. If you have no luck with them, contact the police.
I live in a trailer park in Florida. I've recently learned that my neighbor across from me has a security camera. I have no problem with that. I do have a problem with the fact that there's no sign that there's a security camera and that I was told that one is in the direction of my back door as I use that instead of my front door. Instead that a form of invading my property since it's not pointing to anything that would protect his house.
Have a read of this comment many people have found it useful:
https://burglarfreezone.com/security-cameras/neighbors/#comment-471
This is not valid information for any citizen of the USA. There are several laws that protect citizens from being recorded or surveillance camera targetted..Federal, state and local laws prohibit such violations of privacy and without consent constitutes a violation of civil rights, if minor children are targeted this indeed is an additional felony invasion STALKING HARRASSMENT AND how these recordings are used or were used prior to arrests can also result in serious charges. Whether or not security cameras are involving unsuspecting neighbors children even if you were gardening in your own yard it is absolutely illegal for a neighbor to have security cameras aimed at your property in your yard or including any piece or part of your property. You can call your local police or sheriff's department your city hall contact a lawyer, but calling the local police department should result in an investigation. There is absolutely zero tolerance for PEEPING Tom's. This is not only a violation of your privacy but your right for peaceful living without being harassed or stalked. It also red flags this individual for some mental instability psychological disorder. Contact your local authorities. Pictures of their cameras direction from your property is helpful. If you have spoken to the neighbor and they still have not repositioned their cameras you must contact your law enforcement as this is an urgent matter of saftey.
Thank you for taking the time to leave very good advice.
If a video camera is pointing into your window from the house next door is that legal ?
No. Have a read of this comment:
https://burglarfreezone.com/security-cameras/neighbors/#comment-471