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Hidden camera laws by state

Hidden camera laws in Kentucky

The actual statute, in plain English — not a paraphrase of a paraphrase.

The statute

KRS § 531.090 (Voyeurism)

What it prohibits

Kentucky law bans intentionally using a camera, video recorder, or other image-recording device — or the unaided eye while unlawfully on someone’s property — to secretly observe, view, photograph, or film another person’s sexual conduct, genitals, an undergarment not meant to be seen publicly, or female breast, in a place where that person reasonably expected not to be watched, all without their consent. If the resulting images are sold, distributed, or divulged, the conduct instead falls under the separate, more serious offense of video voyeurism (KRS § 531.100).

Penalty

Class A misdemeanor — up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $500. Distributing or profiting from the images elevates the offense to video voyeurism, a Class D felony.

This is general public information, not legal advice, verified against the statute text linked below as of this writing — legislatures amend these laws periodically (Florida renamed its own statute in 2024). If this matters for a real situation, read the current text yourself or talk to a lawyer: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=43301. Separately, recording audio of a conversation is governed by a different law (wiretap/eavesdropping statutes, which vary by state on whether one party or all parties must consent) — this page covers image/video capture only.

If you've actually found something, the statute matters less than what you do next: read the six steps here.

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Other states

LouisianaLa. R.S. § 14:283 (Video voyeurism) MarylandMd. Code, Criminal Law § 3-902 (Visual Surveillance With Prurient Intent) MinnesotaMinn. Stat. § 609.746 (Interference with Privacy) MissouriMo. Rev. Stat. § 565.252 (Invasion of Privacy) Oklahoma21 Okla. Stat. § 1171(B) (Peeping Tom — Use of Photographic, Electronic or Video Equipment) WisconsinWis. Stat. § 942.09 (Representations Depicting Nudity) CaliforniaPenal Code § 647(j) TexasPenal Code § 21.15 (Invasive Visual Recording)