Security Advantage

Is it illegal for store security cameras to record audio?

Most stores have some sort of security system that involves video surveillance. But is it illegal for the cameras to also be recording audio - and the employees monitoring those cameras thus listening to private conversations? Or are customers foregoing such rights to privacy once they enter the store?

Public Comments

1. FIRST
2. No it is not illegal to have audio recordings at stores. Most don't go to the extra expense though to have both audio and video surveillance.
3. They may not record or listen to conversations in areas where the customer has a reasonable expectation of privacy. If they give effective notice that they are listening, then they might be allowed to.
4. as long as there is some kind of notice your being recorded, then yeah. its a security measure. its really no different than the video
5. no it is not illegal for the cameras to record audio.
6. ;-/ Because other places can be better used for said : "Private Conversations" !?! ... Whatever means of security that said store workers have!?! Mainly for protection !?!.. aside from maybe having a securirty _ guard on duty walking `round possibly!?! Might also plant listening devices near light poles,manicans,around,under or inside something that you may reach in to pull out or pick up your favorite color socks,shirt,head-sweat band... in between racks !?! etc. again for the purpose of security !?! Or to have the "ONE UP"/step ahead of a possible stick up or even theft of sorts !?! that saying "BIG BROTHER IS watching might stretch further than whenever or whatever you heard it being said or or about !?!. "Be afraid !?! Be very afraid" !?!lol r'`R`'r;a;wWwrRr
7. Yes, in some states it is illegal to record ANY person's voice without their consent. This is the law in Massachusetts, found under the wiretapping statutes. It doesn't matter if you're in public, on private property or in the back seat of a police car; recording your voice requires your consent (implied if not actual). If there are signs or other notices specifically warning you, in your language and in Braille, that your entry into the store constitutes consent to be recorded, then they can raise that as their defense to criminal charges.