If the answer is no, adjust the lens. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Privacy and surveillance laws vary dramatically by country, state, and municipality. Consult a local attorney for specific legal guidance regarding your home security system.

The intersection of home security camera systems and privacy is a legal minefield, a technical puzzle, and a social dilemma. This article explores the technology, the laws, the ethical gray areas, and the best practices for securing your home without violating the rights of others. To understand the privacy conflict, you must first understand what modern cameras can do. Old analog closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems offered grainy, blurry shapes. Today’s systems are a different beast entirely.

John installs a camera on his garage. To get a clear night image, he mounts a 5,000-lumen LED floodlight. The light shines directly into his neighbor Mary’s bedroom window, disrupting her sleep. Mary sues for "private nuisance." She wins.