It is often legal to record someone without their consent if only video is involved; audio recording without a party s knowledge has far more regulations than video under wiretap laws. For this reason, many of the home security systems on our lineup allow only one camera to record audio at a time, as it is almost always illegal to record another person s conversation without their permission. Commercial Security Cameras What is Legal?For small businesses, the same rules apply for home security cameras, though they are slightly less stringent. In any area where a person could have a reasonable expectation of privacy, video surveillance without notice or permission is illegal. This includes bathrooms, dressing rooms, hotel rooms and, occasionally, elevators. As businesses are more public by nature, however, it is much easier to legally place cameras to observe the premises.