Is it legal for a neighbour to film my front garden?

Question

She has a camera on her bedroom window sill, which films across a number of houses front gardens, is she allowed to do this? my kids are playing out there, and we all sit out on the decking for bbq's throughout the summer !

Answer 1

Probably. The key is expectation of privacy. If your front garden is visible from the street, you don't have an expectation of privacy (because anyone can look).

She probably couldn't publish any of the pictures without a release from you if your image is in them. You have personality rights.

Besides screening the area, there is not much you can do. Point a feng shui mirror at your annoying neighbor; at least she will get the idea.

Answer 2

Yes it is legal unless she uses the film for publication or it ecroaches into your house, if she were to do anything with the film other than use it for security, for instance if it shows your children or family and it was shown commercially she would need your permission or you can prosecute. If you think about it TV companies show the outside of peoples houses all the time but if they show people they normally need permission unless they are just filming a large crowd in say a town centre. However if you can show in a court of law that she is harassing you it is a very different matter.

Answer 3

Nope...I think its illegal to do that. I think its called invasion or privacy and some may consider it trespassing. If it's really bothering you, you should complain or kindly ask her to stop.

Answer 4

why does she film your garden?  maybe she's concerned about how your flowers are doing.

Answer 5

yes, if it is to film her garden.  No if it is to invade your privacy.  Ask her why she is doing it.

Answer 6

Not sure (im only 11) but if u call authorities u can ask and/or report them to make sure it is.

Answer 7

nope..

its illegal for her to do that..

Answer 8

I really don't know but I definitely wouldn't want anyone to point a camera at my house, I would give the local police station a ring n ask them. its confidential

Answer 9

sounds like her Big Brother show lol

think she needs a sign up that states her house has cctv

Answer 10

No she can't do that. Talk to the police without dropping hints but they can give you details on what is considered home surveillance and where you can't point a camera.

Have you had any crime recently?

People jumping fences?

Break ins?

Garden sheds smashed?

Answer 11

I would definitely have a word with your local police,  

Answer 12

it's legal until she wants to release it for public view then she needs permission

Answer 13

depends...

if it iiis a cctv camera or a camera used for saftey and security purposes, she can have it there and film what she likes (whithin reeason)

if it is a camcorder, and it is being used for personal reasons - especially with children... i would look to imforming someone

Answer 14

it sounds ilegal

thats pretty creepy lol

answer mine

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 15

That is kind of creepy, I think she needs to ask for your permission to do something like that. Hm... Do you know what she is filming?

Answer 16

Yes she can.  I can only wonder what you do that her camera filming a public area makes you so paranoid.

Answer 17

I would say no she can't.

Answer 18

I believe so. You could ask her to stop.

Answer 19

i hope mikee is not a cop in my town!

you have no right to an expectation of privacy in places that can be seen form public grounds or from places where she has a right to be, like her own house.

haven't you ever seen celebrity photos?

if you can see it legally, courts have ruled that you have no rights to object it being photographed or filmed.

if you don't want to be seen when you are outdoors, then build a big fence or invent a cloak of invisibility.

Answer 20

Yes, what ever is in public view is fair game.  

Answer 21

Yes! It's legal.  

Answer 22

Um, I think she you have to ask you if it's ok. That's really weird!! You might want to ask her why?

Answer 23

I would say that would be invasion of privacy.I would approach her and ask her why she is doing that.Tell her how you feel.If she continues see help with the authorities.

Answer 24

i think it is legal, but there might be some law in your local area that might cover it.

Answer 25

that's a little odd. you could just ask her to not tape your house because you are not comfortable with it. but i am not sure if it is illegal to record someone elses property. i don't think so really...but you never know.

but i would definitely go over to her house and ask her to remove it.

Answer 26

Depending on the area in which you live.

There is a certain footage that is legal to film.  I'd ask a lawyer in your home town.

I also recommend not walking around your front garden naked.

Answer 27

Thats really creepy...

It cant be legal