taking hidden pictures without persons knowledge

[bks]

HI ALL
i was wondering if it's legal in PA. TO HAVE A HIDDEN CAMERA IN A SMALL BUSINESS,NO NOTICES UP THAT ANY ARE THERE. CAMERA WAS POINTED AT A TANNING BED AND HAD SOME "PICS"OF SOME OF US RUNNING HALF DRESSED TO THE STORAGE CUPHOARD TO GET OUR LOTION. tHIS WAS ALSO SUPPOSED TO BE FED TO INTERNET. I AM FURIOS AND ADMIT WHEN I SAW IT. I RIPPED THE DARN THING OFF THE WALL.They even had the blinking record light hidden so you wouldn't notice it!!!! Is that considered **** without the persons consent??? Help. I'm mad and embrassed. BKS

[GhettoCow]

It sounds illegal. I know it is in North Carolina and New York. No one can put pictures in dressing rooms, bathrooms, locker rooms, or anywhere else that people could be undressed or in their underwear without asking for people's permission to do it. It is legal to put a hidden camera in the front lobby, but not where the tanning beds are. Some people tan nude, some in their underwear,so it is illegal.

[lunchbox]

Not just in PA, but in most states and even in other countries, there are strong laws regarding wiretapping. You should consult with a lawyer about it so you can take the necessary legal steps.

[PECO]

A very illegal doings.

[cahoonzie]

Your situation is marginal and very arguable. The deciding factor is the INTENT of the business owner. First, the camera must be pointed in a publc area. If toward a tanning bed, the persons are likely wearing bathing suits so this is not an invasion of privacy. Further, perhaps the reason for pointing toward the tanning bed is because of recent thefts taking place in the tanning bed area - INTENT to video a PERP.

"Notice" is not at issue (14th). The point is that the camera is located in a public area. Think of cameras on public streets that are monitored by police departments. If you take your clothes off on the street, is the police department liable for invasion of privacy? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Think about the Katz case and the public telephone booth. Feeding the transmission to the internet is a moot issue where the camera is recording open public activity. Just "SMILE. YOUR ON CANDID CAMERA.