Recording and consent laws are different in each state, but what can people in Gaston County do if their neighbor is recording them or their property?
When it comes to audio recordings, North Carolina is a one-party consent state, which means you can legally record a conversation as long as you’re part of it. However, it’s illegal to record or share a conversation you’re not involved in. Exceptions include legally authorized wiretaps, operators of electronic communications services and radio, and other transmissions available to the public.
Those in violation of the law could be convicted of a Class H felony. which carries a penalty of four to 25 months incarceration.
A Ring home security camera hangs from the side of a Fayetteville home.
Can my neighbor point a camera at my house?
Homeowners are legally allowed to point a security camera at publicly viewable areas, and if the neighbor’s property is recorded too, so be it.
It is illegal to record in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, bedrooms or changing rooms.
Legal action can be taken if the camera recordings are being used to harass, intimidate, or invade the privacy of the neighbor.
Can my neighbor record me on my property?
Your neighbor can legally record you as long as you are in plain sight from a public vantage point or a place where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
For example, the neighbor can legally record you in places like your front yard or driveway.
Public Safety Reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: North Carolina laws related to audio and video recordings