Where are you not allowed to record?

Asked by: Mrs. Edythe Rath  |  Last update: October 18, 2025
Score: 5/5 (73 votes)

Once you leave your private property, you should not be expecting full privacy. Thus, recording in appropriate settings when in public is permitted. However, even in public, there are certain places with expected levels of privacy where recording is not allowed, such as bathrooms and dressing rooms.

Is recording is illegal in Canada?

Section 184 of the Criminal Code of Canada states that recording private conversations is legal as long as one of the parties that is recording the conversation (which could be you) is involved in the call or conversation and consents to the recording. This is called a “one party consent” exception.

Can you record whatever you want in public?

However, when an individual is in public, the short answer is no. It's not illegal to film or take photos of another person in public. It's expected that individuals realize that they are leaving the privacy of their homes, and they shouldn't expect complete privacy from others.

Is it illegal to film in Walmart?

Out of respect for our associates and customers, unauthorized filming is prohibited and we reserve the right to enforce that policy.

What are the laws around filming in public?

Members of the public, including the press, have a First Amendment right to observe, take photographs and record video in any public place where they are lawfully present. Photography and the recording of video are common activities and are neither crimes nor indications of criminal activity, in themselves.

"You are not allowed to record anything without written permission!"

20 related questions found

Is it legal to film in public places in Canada?

The Law in Canada

In Canada, it is NOT illegal for anyone to take a picture or video of another person in a public space without their consent no matter what the age of person whose image is being captured.

Can I record video without consent?

California has a stricter law regarding recording conversations. Unlike many states, you need the consent of all parties involved for a legal recording, even if you participate in the conversation.

Can stores tell you not to record?

Generally, you can record anything you can observe with your own eyes and ears. The store, as private property, could prohibit recording and require you to leave if you refuse to stop, but it would be a trespass charge, not for recording. The person you are recording has no lawful authority to prohibit it.

Can I tell someone to stop recording me?

Two-Party Consent States

To record conversations in these states, you need permission from every person involved: California.

Does Walmart watch you on camera?

Walmart has you on camera. Selected store workers for the retailer are wearing body cameras as part of a new security pilot. But what the cameras are really watching remains unclear.

Can you record in a mall?

In other areas that are generally open to the public but may be privately owned such as a mall, recording may be restricted either by posted signs or by mall personnel. In order to avoid confrontations it is always a good idea to check with property owners to obtain permission before recording.

Can you record in a bank?

Answer: We actually recommend a sign(s) be posted in your lobbies and other critical areas. The sign states, "No voice or video recordings allowed on premises!” Should someone comment negatively about the signs, staff can respond that the policy is due to privacy concerns for account holders.

Is it illegal to film someone in their home?

In two-part consent states like California, Florida or Michigan, both or all sides need to give their consent to have their conservation recorded. It is never legal to record a conversation where no one is giving consent.

Is it illegal to record in a hospital in Canada?

In Canada, patient privacy is highly regulated by provincial legislation, although patients themselves have little in the way of laws or regulations to observe. Patients taking video recordings of their own medical care does not currently fall under any of the provincial privacy laws.

Is recording police legal in Canada?

In Canada, it is legal to record interactions with the police if you do not interfere with their duties or privacy.

What is one party consent?

The one-party consent rule means that in most states, one person can record a conversation without telling the other person. This is usually done over the phone or in person. However, it's important to note that not all states follow this rule.

Can I decline being recorded?

California Wiretapping Law

California's wiretapping law is a "two-party consent" law. California makes it a crime to record or eavesdrop on any confidential communication, including a private conversation or telephone call, without the consent of all parties to the conversation.

Can I sue someone for going through my phone?

Legal Grounds: You may sue for Intrusion upon Seclusion, Public Disclosure of Private Information, or Computer Tampering based on the intent and actions of the person accessing your phone.

What can I do if someone is recording me without my consent?

Report the whole thing to the police. If what you tell them gives them probable cause, they can get a warrant to search for the video. Then if he does, that adds more criminal charges and can get him sued as well.

Can I sue someone for recording me without my permission in my home?

You may have grounds to sue someone or a company for recording you without your permission under certain circumstances. California's law, specifically Penal Code 632, prohibits the recording of confidential communications without the consent of all parties involved.

Can a secret recording be used as evidence?

California law says that any recording made without someone's permission is illegal. This means the recording can't be used as evidence in any kind of legal case, including a divorce or custody battle. Plus, the person who made the recording could face criminal charges.

Can my boss secretly record me?

– FAQ. is audio surveillance legal in the workplace in california? California is a two party consent state. Typically, employers cannot record audio conversations without the consent of employees.

What can I do if my neighbor is recording me with his phone?

Contact law enforcement: Report your concerns to the police and provide them with the evidence you have gathered. They can investigate the matter and take appropriate action if necessary.

Can you sue someone for posting a video of you without your permission?

You might successfully sue another party who has intruded on your expectation of privacy, such as shooting a video while you are at home or in another private setting where privacy is expected by every individual at the setting. Another party cannot shoot a video to use your name and likeness without your permission.

Is it illegal to record movies in the theater?

– Any person who knowingly operates or attempts to operate an audiovisual recording device in a motion picture theater to transmit, record, or otherwise make a copy of a motion picture, or any part thereof, without the written consent of the motion picture theater owner shall be guilty of a felony, punishable as ...