Hidden Cameras, Audio Bugs, and GPS Trackers: What Is Legal in Nevada? Are You at Risk?

While technology continues to expand and affect our lives, it becomes easier and easier to keep in touch with our family and friends. Smart phones, Alexa, Siri… the list goes on and on. Yet, there is also few days that pass where we don’t hear on the news about one of those devices being compromised.

While most of us use technology to make our lives easier, technology can also be used against us by another person. This does not just involve the backdoors and flaws found in some of the most popular smart devices. There are people who make the conscious decision to misuse technology to spy on others. Hidden camera devices, audio bugs, and GPS devices are the most commonly misused items, and they are available for purchase by anyone. There are many of these items that are inexpensive and easy to hide. The real question is: what is legal in Nevada? Could you be at risk?

Hidden Camera Use in Nevada

Nevada has very strict laws when it comes to hidden camera installation and use. In Nevada, it’s legal to use a video security system to keep your home safe. We are specifically discussing hidden cameras that may be used to watch you in your home or office without your knowledge or consent.

Nevada has a right to privacy law. Under the law, if someone installs or uses an unauthorized device in a place where someone may have an expectation of privacy, they are breaking the law. This includes instances where parties are going through a separation or divorce and the other spouse is using an existing security system to spy on the other. Using a hidden camera or misusing an existing camera without another person’s knowledge or consent may also violate Nevada law. Depending on what is on the video, it may also be subject to Nevada’s revenge porn law if the video is shared or if the other person tries to use it for blackmail or extortion.

Eavesdropping Via Audio Device in Nevada

Nevada is a one-party consent state. This simply means that in a conversation involving two or more people, only one person must give consent to have the conversation monitored or recorded. It does not matter if the conversation is in a private or public location. Nevada law makes it clear that failure to get consent to monitor or record a conversation is eavesdropping.  Failure to do so may lead to a felony charge as well as civil penalties.

GPS Devices in Nevada

GPS devices are categorized as electronic communications in Nevada. Just like with audio bugs, their unauthorized use may lead to felony and civil charges. Despite this, many people utilize GPS devices (both built-in and planted) to track others at all times without consent.

Could You Be at Risk?

Now that you have an understanding regarding what’s legal and what is not in Nevada, let’s talk about whether someone could be spying on you. It is not a comfortable thought, but it’s something that should be considered. If you live in Nevada, the most common reasons someone may be using a hidden camera, audio bug, or GPS device against you may include:

• You own a business. Even if the business isn’t making you rich, you could still be spied on by the competition. It only takes one competitor knowing you take part of the client base to want to spy on you. Corporate espionage includes many actions including using a current or former employee to spy on your business, placing hidden cameras or audio bugs in offices and conference rooms, or even using apps to monitor your phone calls, VOIP calls, as well as web and video conferencing. They could even use your web cam and microphone to see and hear you without you knowing it’s happening. Keyloggers could be used to record everything you type. They may also be able to read all of your text messages and emails. 

• Involved in a divorce or separation. Your spouse could be monitoring everything you do or say. They could be tracking everywhere you go. They could be listening to all of your phone conversations, reading your text messages, and spying on everything you do online. They may be just using this information to ruin your life. They could be using this in an attempt to scare or blackmail you.
• Involvement in a child custody dispute. Even if you were never been married to the other parent, they may be hoping to record something you or do to try and scare you into giving up custody. They may be looking to prove you are an unfit parent. Much like the previous scenarios, your cell phone, landline, VOIP, web cam, and online activity could all be monitored. There are apps that are not hard to deploy. Do not ever think that you are safe unless you have them checked out by a professional first.
• You are involved in settling an insurance claim or you have a lawsuit for an injury of some kind. The other side could be attempting to minimize what happened and take advantage of you. They may be tracking your every movement, videoing you, or even listening in to your conversations.
• You are in a bad relationship. Intimate partner violence and tumultuous relationships are serious issues in our country. Technology has made it easier for abusers to maintain control over their victims.
• You’re being stalked. You may or may not even know who it is or why they’re doing it.

What You Should Do If You Think You’re Being Spied on in Nevada

Although there are certain signs to look for when you believe you may be monitored by another that could indicate a hidden camera, audio bug, or GPS device is present in your home, office, or vehicle, a lack of those signs does not mean you’re safe. It could also mean that someone really knows what they’re doing. If you think you are being spied on, call Spy Catchers now at 1-800-373-8726. Let our professional team help you get back your privacy and your peace of mind.

If you find the device, don’t try to remove it on your own. Many of these devices are extremely sensitive. If you want to learn more about your potential legal rights related to the placement of the device, you’ll need the device intact so that the data can be pulled and the device examined for other forensic evidence. Call us. We’re here to help. 1-800-373-8726.