video/audio taping at work without consent

[Janellh]

What is the name of your state? MN
Can someone please tell me what the law is about being video taped with audio in the workplace. It was nothing bad, but one co-worker has been video taping people without their knowledge or consent. I need to know if this is legal and if not, I need to know where to get information about it so I can print out the part of the law that states this. Please help ASAP! Thank you.

[seniorjudge]

Provide us with details and facts.

[Janellh]

Well, one co-worker had a video camera sitting on his desk on record mode. another coworker, myself and the guy recordnig having a busines conversation and the whole thing was recorded without our knowledge. And the other two are people coming to his office to ask questions and got taped.
The reason why I ask is ebcause this guy has a lot of complaints against him and we are wondering if this can be added to our complaints. Of course it can because of the tone he used to us in the video, but isn't it also illegal to taped someone without their consent?

thank you

[quincy]

In Minnesota, as long as ONE person participating in the conversation knows the conversation is being recorded and/or videotaped, it is legal - however, you run into private property/public property privacy issues and possible trade secret issues (depending on the workplace where this video recording is taking place), and, I assume, employer/employee issues, as well.

[Janellh]

so because HE knows HE is videotaping people and the people don't know they're being taped, it's legal????? Am I understanding this correctly??

That's kinda strange, isn't it

[cbg]

It is legal. And it's legal in 38 states.

However, just because the law does not prohibit it, does not mean that your employer cannot. By all means mention it to upper management or HR.

[Janellh]

thank you for your help. I agree that my employer should know and I am taking care of that. I am still a bit surprised htat it is legal though. Thanks again and have a great day.

[quincy]

Janellh - If this makes you feel better about only one person needing to know about the taping for it to be legal, it is NOT OK, in any state that I am aware of, to secretly videotape in bathrooms or areas where people may be even partially undressed. Even so, I agree it is a screwy law. Michigan has it, too.

[cbg]

I don't think any state allows taping where an individual would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

However, since Jane indicates that the employee in question has the video camera on his desk, and I seriously doubt that his desk is in the bathroom or dressing room (if there even is a dressing room), such a restriction wouild not apply here.

[draconian]

Bar has video/audio surveillence. It is watched daily and employees are judged on behavior & opined on how they should act and such. Is this legally considered harrassment?

[Zigner]

Originally Posted by draconian

Bar has video/audio surveillence. It is watched daily and employees are judged on behavior & opined on how they should act and such. Is this legally considered harrassment?

Even if you HAD started your own thread, I'd have to say...absolutely NOT.