Neighbor hid a micro camera in our hallway—why, and what can I do legally?

[Anonymous]

4 apartments down from me I saw a tiny microcamera hidden in a dark area on the floor in her door frame. It faces the hall towards the elevator where everyone comes n goes.

It wasn't there before and I've lived there over a year. I met her once saw her maybe 2x. But I do not like this because I do online dating etc. I have no idea if it has an audio aspect. Im about to start going up a level and come down back stairs to bypass her camera when I have a guest.

Thoughts on why did she do this, why not a ring camera which in my opinion is still an invasion of privacy. And what can i do? Should i tell my neighbor across im kinda friendly with? Maybe step on it from behind lol

I dont want to start a big deal confronting the camera girl.

[HollyK21]

That’s like trying to take legal action against someone’s Ring camera, they’re entitled to having that in the space they are paying for. I’ve had several neighbors with some sort of camera, whether it’s in their window, above the door, on the door, it’s most likely for their own protection and personal surveillance, not to creep on you and stalk your dating life. I would actually advise you or anyone else to consider investing one, it could save your life or someone else’s.

[Asker]

Read up on ring cameras. They are being connected to flock surveillance systems and keeping ur face on facial recognition files and police can search ur house without a warrant with these ring cameras.

[HollyK21]

It’s not fool proof, I get that. But there’s more pros than cons, otherwise almost nobody would use them. I can think of countless instances where it’s worked in someone’s favor rather than against them. For example, just earlier this year the surveillance caught a group of men pretending to be Amazon deliverers, only to barge their way into the persons house. It’s caught people stealing packages, kidnappings, even simply caught someone walking by their house who happened to go missing or be attacked not long after. The only other solution to quell your personal comfort would be no camera at all, and I’m sorry but just because you don’t care to know what’s happening outside your door does not mean that rings true for the masses.

[Alex-Snow]

It is a common area but that does not make it right. If you have an HOA could they offer assistance. If not could the owner of the building help?

[DirtyOldMan777]

There's nothing you can do if it's in a common area. just like if she had a ring camera.

[Asker]

Im reading up on ny law. She can't do this. Common areas are not facing other people's doors and the landlord has to notify whete all cameras are in the bldg. If it has audio, its a felony

[fishbone77]

the hallway is a common area, not private. She can do what she wants.

[Nikki1989]

You report him obviously.

[Anonymous]

It's a camera in a public place, it's not illegal.

[Anonymous]

Probably to see who is coming and going.