i'm in nj. is it legal for an employer to place a camera in the office without telling the employees?

Question

i just found out the my employer has a camera placed in the office but he never told me. it just feels so wrong. does he have the right to do that?

my question is not wether he could put the camera. i know that he could, but without letting people know doesn't seem right.

i guess it bothers me because i'm supposed to be his assistant and the only female in the office. it would have been nice to have been notified.

Answer 1

Yes. He has a right to monitor what happens in his business without telling anyone. You have no expectation of privacy at work, legally. He cannot, however, install them in say a bathroom because you have a right to expect privacy when you're using the facilities. He also has a right to monitor your computer, e-mails, telephone use, etc. You have no right to privacy on his dime or on his premises.

I just read your additional details. He doesn't have to inform anyone. People simply have no right to privacy. If anything, one should have the expectation that there are hidden cameras throughout. This is how employers can protect themselves from not just theft and poor work ethics but also how employees can be protected from harassment, etc..

Answer 2

It is legal. The question of if it is ethical or moral is open for debate.

Pretty much any area that is open to the public, where you have no right to expect privacy is open to electronic surveillance. If by the office you mean an open room with cubicles for the workers, no doors and open tops, that is considered a public area and the boss can do as he wishes.

However, if you have a private office with four walls and a door that can be closed, you do have the right to expect privacy in your own office and for that, you have a valid objection that your privacy was invaded.

Answer 3

Yeah, it's legal unless it's placed somewhere inappropriate (such as a bathroom, change room, or under your desk).

Also, if he does something inappropriate with the pictures (crazy example - selling pics of you taken at the office to an ex-boyfriend), you could easily sue him and win.

Big Brother is watching us all!!!

FYI - Emails and posts which you send out at work can be read at any time by the company, without violating any laws. After all, you're doing this on their dime.

Answer 4

Yes.

It's HIS OFFICE.

Don't like it, quit.

You only have a case where you have some expectation of privacy (locker room, bathroom, etc). An open office does not qualify.

Do the job you're paid for and you won't have trouble.

Answer 5

Cameras and microphones, legal anywhere except as stated in bathrooms, changing rooms, etc.

Answer 6

It’s legal (assuming they aren’t recording you when you’re in the bathroom stall), and he is not required to inform the employees.

Answer 7

Probably. Unless he puts it in a bathroom or dressing area, he can claim it is for deterring theft.

Answer 8

Legal. But he could, at least, let you know, ethically speaking.