Hidden camera laws in South Carolina

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

The statute

S.C. Code § 16-17-470 (Eavesdropping, Peeping, Voyeurism)

What it prohibits

“Peeping tom” conduct — peeping through windows or doors on another’s premises to spy or invade privacy, including with video or audio equipment; “voyeurism” — knowingly viewing, photographing, or recording another person without knowledge and consent for sexual gratification; and “aggravated voyeurism” — knowingly selling or distributing such recordings.

Penalty

Peeping tom = misdemeanor, fine up to $500 and/or up to 3 years. Aggravated voyeurism (distribution) = felony, fine $500–$5,000 and/or up to 10 years.

The base “voyeurism” subsection’s own penalty class (distinct from peeping tom and aggravated voyeurism above) wasn’t clearly separated in the sources checked — read the full statute text at the source link for that specific number rather than relying on this page for it.

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://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/2025/title-16/chapter-17/section-16-17-470/. 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

AlabamaAla. Code § 13A-11-32.1 (Aggravated Criminal Surveillance) AlaskaAlaska Stat. § 11.61.123 (Indecent Viewing or Production of a Picture) ArkansasArk. Code Ann. § 5-16-101 (Crime of Video Voyeurism) ConnecticutConn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-189a (Voyeurism) Delaware11 Del. Code § 1335 (Violation of Privacy) IndianaInd. Code § 35-45-4-5 (Voyeurism; Public Voyeurism; Aerial Voyeurism) IowaIowa Code § 709.21 (Invasion of Privacy — Nudity) KansasKan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6101(a)(6) (Breach of Privacy)