San Francisco, CA asked in Civil Rights and Municipal Law for California

Q: My neighbor installed a ring camera and it’s facing my face when I open the door

Is it invading my privacy

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In California, the law generally allows people to install security cameras on their own property, even if the camera captures some of their neighbor's property. However, the camera should not be positioned in a way that intentionally invades the neighbor's privacy, such as directly pointing into their windows or at areas where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

In your case, if the camera is simply capturing your face when you open your door, it may not be considered a violation of privacy laws. However, if the camera is positioned in a way that seems deliberate to capture your activities or peer into your home, you may have a case for invasion of privacy.

Here are a few steps you can consider:

1. Talk to your neighbor and express your concerns about the camera's positioning. They may be willing to adjust it to minimize capturing your property.

2. If the camera is capturing audio without your consent, that could be a violation of California's wiretapping laws, which prohibit recording confidential conversations.

3. If you believe the camera is intentionally invading your privacy and your neighbor is unwilling to address the issue, you can consult with a local attorney who specializes in property law or privacy issues to discuss your options.

4. You can also contact local law enforcement or file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs if you believe your privacy rights are being violated.

Ultimately, while security cameras are generally allowed, they should not be used to intentionally invade a neighbor's privacy. Open communication with your neighbor is often the best first step in resolving such issues.

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