Video surveillance has become a normal part of doing business today. Corporate companies use it to help protect employees, secure assets, monitor daily operations, and prevent problems before they start. When used right, it’s an incredibly effective tool. But what often gets overlooked is the legal side of it.
If companies aren’t careful, video surveillance can quickly cross legal lines. Privacy violations, lawsuits, major fines, and even reputational damage are all real risks. That’s why understanding the legal implications and taking a proactive, professional approach is key to getting it right.
In this blog, we’ll break down the main legal concerns every company needs to know about video surveillance. We’ll also share professional tips that can help you stay protected, stay compliant, and create a safer environment for your employees and visitors.
Let’s get into it.
First, let’s be clear: video surveillance isn’t about spying on people. It’s about protecting what matters.
When companies are upfront about why cameras are in place, they help set a positive tone. Employees feel safer. Visitors feel welcome. And leadership can breathe a little easier knowing there’s a reliable system in place to help prevent theft, monitor sensitive areas, and document incidents if they occur.
The goal is simple: enhance security without stepping on people’s rights. And that’s where the legal part comes in.
Video surveillance laws can be confusing because they vary depending on where you are. Federal laws, state laws, and sometimes even local rules can all come into play. But no matter where your business operatVideo surveillance laws can be confusing because they vary depending on where you are. es, there are some major legal principles that you need to know.
One of the biggest rules is this: people have a reasonable expectation of privacy in certain places.
You can’t just put a camera anywhere you want. Bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms are pretty much always off-limits. Even private offices could be questionable if you don’t provide clear notice.
If someone believes they’re in a private space and you’re secretly recording them, you’re opening the door to serious legal trouble. Always err on the side of caution. If you wouldn’t want a camera there yourself, it’s probably not appropriate.
In many states, you have to let people know they’re being recorded. Even if it’s not required by law where you are, it’s a smart move.
Posting signs or putting a surveillance policy in your employee handbook can cover you legally and build trust. People don’t like surprises, especially when it comes to being watched.
If you’re capturing audio along with video, things get even trickier. Some states require you to get express consent from everyone who’s being recorded. We’ll dive into that next.
It’s one thing to film someone walking into your building. It’s another thing entirely to record what they’re saying.
Federal and state wiretapping laws often require consent for audio recordings. Depending on the state, it might be enough if just one person consents, but in others, everyone involved has to give permission.
Unless you’re absolutely sure your audio setup is legal, it’s best to turn off sound recording altogether. No audio means fewer headaches and fewer legal risks.
If you’re using surveillance in the workplace, you have to respect employment laws, too.
For example, if your workforce is unionized, you may have to negotiate surveillance policies with union reps. Also, you can’t use cameras to target or harass employees. Surveillance needs to serve a real business purpose, like protecting company property, ensuring safety, or monitoring performance in a fair way.
Bottom line: Surveillance should help employees feel protected, not policed.
When video surveillance goes wrong, the fallout can be massive. Companies that mishandle it can face:
At the end of the day, it’s a lot cheaper — and smarter — to get it right from the start.
Now that you know the risks, here’s how to do video surveillance the right way.
Start with a clear surveillance policy. Spell out exactly:
Share this policy with your employees and make it easy for visitors to find. A clear policy isn’t just about compliance, it’s about being upfront, respectful, and professional.
Post clear signs anywhere cameras are active. Signs should be easy to see and easy to understand.
They don’t have to be fancy. A simple “This area is under video surveillance for your safety” sign gets the job done.
Visible signage helps you stay compliant and shows that you’re not hiding anything.
Only place cameras where it really makes sense for security or business operations.
Focus on entrances, exits, parking lots, cash handling areas, and loading docks. Avoid personal spaces like break rooms unless you have a strong business reason — and even then, be careful.
When you limit surveillance to the right areas, you protect your company and respect people’s privacy at the same time.
We can’t stress this enough: audio recording is a legal minefield.
If you don’t really need to capture conversations, don’t. Stick to silent video. You’ll avoid a whole layer of legal problems.
If, for some reason, you must record audio, consult a qualified attorney first and get proper consent.
Treat your video footage like valuable company property — because it is.
Set up strong controls so only authorized people can access it. Use encryption where possible. Set clear policies about how long footage is stored, and stick to them.
If you ever have a data breach involving surveillance footage, having strong security measures in place can be a lifesaver legally.
Technology changes. Laws change. Your company’s needs change. That’s why you should schedule regular audits of your surveillance system and policies.
Check that all cameras are in legal areas. Review who has access. Update signs if needed. Review your policy with HR and legal teams.
Regular audits catch problems early — before they turn into lawsuits.
As more companies embrace remote and hybrid work, surveillance questions are getting trickier.
You can monitor activity on company-owned laptops and software. But setting up cameras inside someone’s home? That’s almost always a bad idea legally.
If you’re going to monitor remote employees, be upfront about it. Explain what’s being monitored, why it’s necessary, and make sure you have their written consent.
Transparency matters even more when people are working from home.
If your company does business internationally, you also have to worry about laws like Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
GDPR requires:
If your surveillance captures information about European citizens — even if your company is based in the U.S. — GDPR could apply. And their fines can be brutal.
Video surveillance is a great tool when used correctly. It helps protect your business, your employees, and your visitors. But you have to do it carefully.
Understand the law. Be open about what you’re doing. Focus on protecting people, not invading their privacy. Build systems and policies that respect everyone’s rights.
When companies get surveillance right, it doesn’t just keep people safe — it builds trust and credibility. And that’s something no camera can capture, but every great company needs.
At Sentry Communications, we help companies build smart, compliant, and effective security systems. If you’re thinking about upgrading your surveillance, contact us. We’re here to help every step of the way.
