Employer is installing more cameras with audio everywhere..is it illegal?

Question

I work at a hotel in california and in a meeting yesterday they said they're installing 3 more cameras at the front desk, some in the back office - which is fine i guess - but the general manager has the power to access the cameras live anytime with an internet connection on his laptop and able to zoom in and get audio - it seems he has way too much power and makes not only me, but the other employees uncomfortable. Is this sort of implementation illegal or even disputable?

Answer 1

There are state laws that govern these things and each state is different, but in most states as long as they are not implimenting them in places where privacy is assumed like restrooms or changing rooms they are usually allowed.

The sound portion might have some implications on legallity, But in the end I would say it is their property and they have the right to look and listen to what they want as long as it doesnt invade implied privacy like bathrooms.

In the end the law will rule that you work their by choice and if you dont like it you can work somewhere else.

The company will say they have it to watch and listen to how employees act during working situations. The guest would have more of a case for invasion of privacy as they are most likley not informed of the audio portion like the employees are

Answer 2

This is relatively common from a loss-prevention standpoint. I think as long as the cameras are in a place where the employee or a customer is not generally entitled to "privacy" such as in a bathroom, lockerroom, changing room, or bedroom, then I would believe it to be legal. Many large employers now have real-time access to your computer, to determine whether you are working, or doing something else. This may be a method of determining similar conduct. If you think it's over the top, contact the company HR department (if it's a chain) or possibly the owner. Or, you can pool the other employees and consult an attorney.

Answer 3

Yep, their building, their right. They couldn't install one where expectation of privacy was a good thing (bathroom stall), but most anywhere else is fair game. Most employers that do install cameras also publish that fact so that the cameras not only work where they are pointing, but the employees may not know where they are not pointing. So, in effect, you are asking whether it is ok to fire an employee not based on what they were doing wrong, but rather on how it was detected.

Answer 4

It's his property so as long as he has the proper legal documents he can have the cameras installed but i'm not so sure about the audio, I think that part is illegal.

Answer 5

It's his property. You're his employees. He has the right to watch what's going on, as long as it's not an in area where privacy is expected (like in bathrooms).

Answer 6

As long as it is posted that you are being video/recorded, then he has every right to do so. If he put them in without anyone knowing and was taping you, then yes it would be illegal.


If you aren't doing anything wrong.....then I wouldnt be too concerned with it.

Answer 7

If you contact the Department of Labor, they can tell you if it is legal or not. Each state has its own laws concerning cameras and audio.

Goodluck!

p.s. I would feel the same!

Answer 8

Republicans in most states have made sure employees have no rights against their employers invasion of privacy.

Answer 9

sadly its completely legal and his right as the owner, as long as there are none in the bathroom or rooms where people get changed.

Answer 10

No, it is not illegal. You just have to carry your own camera.