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.

Cover: The Traveler's Counter-Surveillance Field Manual

The Field Manual — PDF edition

Want the full room-by-room method, not just the legal side? The complete system — every check on this site plus the ten-minute walkthrough, audio devices, your legal rights, and what to do if you find something. 47 printable pages, instant download, keep it on any device.

Get the Field Manual — $27

Prefer Kindle? $7.99 on Amazon.

Other states

CaliforniaPenal Code § 647(j) TexasPenal Code § 21.15 (Invasive Visual Recording) New YorkPenal Law § 250.45 (Unlawful Surveillance, Second Degree) FloridaFla. Stat. § 810.145 — renamed “Digital Voyeurism” in a 2024 amendment Illinois720 ILCS 5/26-4 (Unauthorized Video Recording and Live Video Transmission) Pennsylvania18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7507.1 (Invasion of Privacy) OhioOhio Revised Code § 2907.08 (Voyeurism) GeorgiaO.C.G.A. § 16-11-62 (Eavesdropping, Surveillance, or Intercepting Communication Which Invades Privacy)