Can I film in a mall?
Asked by: Emilia Hettinger | Last update: April 28, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (60 votes)
Yes, you can generally film in a mall for personal use with a smartphone or small camera, but rules vary; it's considered private property, so malls can restrict filming, especially for large or professional shoots, and may ask you to stop or seek permission for commercial activities, so always check signs or ask security to avoid issues.
Why is recording not allowed in malls?
For example, malls may prohibit or restrict video recording on their premises for various reasons, such as protecting intellectual property or maintaining security.
Where can you not film in public?
Recording from public into private spaces
State and federal laws have criminalized some kinds of recordings in public, such as surreptitious videos up people's skirts or down people's blouses. The "reasonable expectation of privacy" can limit filming into private spaces while in an adjacent public space.
Can I legally film in Walmart?
It's not strictly illegal to film in Walmart as it's a public-access space, but it's against their company policy, and they have the right to ask you to stop; if you refuse after being told to stop, you could face trespassing charges, as private businesses can set rules for their property. So, while you might be able to film without immediate consequence if nobody notices, you must stop if an employee asks you to.
Is it legal to film inside a mall?
A: You have the right to be concerned about being recorded without your consent. California's privacy laws primarily focus on audio recording and whether you had a reasonable expectation of privacy. A busy store may not guarantee complete privacy, but covert filming by a random person can pose legal concerns.
Testing North Korea's illegal smartphones
What is the 9 minute rule at Walmart?
The Walmart 9-minute rule is an unwritten policy allowing associates to clock in up to 9 minutes early or 9 minutes late, and clock out up to 9 minutes early or late, without incurring a point under the attendance system, though this is often store-dependent and can be inconsistently applied, leading to confusion or disciplinary action if managers disapprove. While it's meant to cover minor timing issues, some managers treat it as only for emergencies or don't enforce it, making it a confusing, unofficial perk that can still get you in trouble, especially with unauthorized extra work time.
Can you be sued for filming in public?
If You Were in a Public Place
Generally, there is no expectation of privacy in public places. This means people can legally record you in parks, streets, restaurants, and other public settings without your permission. Example: If someone records you walking down the street, you likely cannot sue them.
Why are you not allowed to film in stores?
Those people are inside a private property. Albeit full of people from the public who walked in off the street, they are on property that is privately owned. Therefore, you do not have the right to film inside the store, or to film people that are in the store without their permission.
Can you record freely?
Crucially, Freely doesn't let you record anything. Even if you connect an aerial to a Freely TV, you still can't record your favourite telly.
Can you walk around a mall?
Yes, you can absolutely walk around a mall; it's a popular activity known as "mall walking" because malls provide a safe, climate-controlled, well-lit environment with flat surfaces, restrooms, and benches, ideal for exercise and socializing, often with early hours for walkers. Malls are great for staying active regardless of weather, offering a free, accessible, and secure place to get steps in.
Who owns most of the malls?
Simon Property Group. Simon Property Group, Inc. is an American real estate investment trust that invests in shopping malls, outlet centers, and community/lifestyle centers. It is the largest owner of shopping malls in the United States and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Is the parking lot of a mall private property?
If you ask yourself when was the last time you saw a city police cruiser randomly patrolling a mall parking lot, the answer is probably “never.” Here's why: most mall parking lots are private property, and the only time the California Vehicle Code is enforced in one basically is if any part of the vehicle code is ...
Does Target allow filming?
You can generally film in Target as it's a public-access space, but it's private property, so store policy matters; you must stop and leave if asked by staff, or you risk being charged with trespassing. For official or large-scale shoots, contact the store's Leader on Duty (LOD) for permission, as they cannot accommodate all requests, and always be respectful of other shoppers and employees.
Why is Walmart so strict about filming?
Out of respect for our associates and customers, unauthorized filming is prohibited and we reserve the right to enforce that policy.
Can you take pictures of people in a mall?
Owners of different companies, shopping malls, and private banks make rules for their properties. In this case, they have the right to prohibit photos. Security guards at those places or other employees may tell you not to capture photos.
Is it illegal to film in a mall?
In California, the idea of a “reasonable expectation of privacy” is a big deal, and the law takes it seriously. You can't just record anywhere and assume it's fine. Take California Penal Code 647(j), for example.
Can I record whatever I want in public?
Yes, you generally can record video and take photos in public spaces like streets and parks due to First Amendment rights, as there's no reasonable expectation of privacy, but this right has limits, especially in private businesses, courts, bathrooms, or when using footage commercially, requiring permission or model releases for profit. While filming police is protected, private property owners (like malls) and some government buildings can set their own rules, and specific state laws exist for recording conversations.
Can you legally film in a Walmart?
It's not strictly illegal to film in Walmart as it's a public-access space, but it's against their company policy, and they have the right to ask you to stop; if you refuse after being told to stop, you could face trespassing charges, as private businesses can set rules for their property. So, while you might be able to film without immediate consequence if nobody notices, you must stop if an employee asks you to.
Can you tell someone to stop filming you in public?
You you can't stop people from filming you in public. You have no reasonable expectation to privacy when you are out in public. Anytime that you are on a public street or a public sidewalk or even a position where you can be seen from public, then you have no expectation of privacy.
Can I use a drone to film people?
California lawmakers have passed rules about using drones in the state. They include: Using a drone to photograph or film people in a private activity without permission is prohibited.
Can you legally video record someone without their consent?
California is a “two-party consent" state, which means all parties must agree to the recording. It is generally illegal to record someone without their consent. If a recording is made without the other person's consent, it may not be admissible as evidence in court.
Does Walmart really pay $30 an hour?
Yes, Walmart pays some employees $30 an hour or more, especially in specialized roles like warehouse workers, some team leads, and certain management/digital positions, but the average hourly wage for most frontline store associates is lower (around $18-$20+), with higher pay depending on location, role (e.g., overnight, specialized tech), and shifts.
Is it legal for Walmart to stop you at the door?
It's worth noting that Walmart employees cannot physically detain you or prevent you from leaving simply because you refuse to show a receipt—unless they have a reasonable suspicion of theft. In that case, store security or local law enforcement may become involved.
What is the 10 foot rule at Walmart?
Walmart's 10-Foot Rule is a customer service guideline from founder Sam Walton: if an associate comes within 10 feet of a customer, they must smile, make eye contact, and offer assistance to make the customer feel valued. While the rule promotes engagement, its strict enforcement can conflict with other duties like order fulfillment, leading to mixed opinions among employees, though the core idea remains influential in retail service, notes.