Is it legal to post business video-surveillance footage online? Many businesses employ video surveillance systems and the footage can often result in useful— or humorous— clips that somehow find their way onto YouTube, Facebook, or other websites.

While it is likely legal for businesses to use security footage for the purpose of preventing theft, or even to track down criminals, murkier legal waters await businesses who are posting security camera footage just for laughs.

Here’s what business owners need to know: Most Security Camera Footage Is Legal.

Employers may legally employ video-only security cameras (even if they are hidden) to surveil the "public" areas of their businesses.

Good security camera practices avoid violating federal wiretapping laws by not including audio.

Similarly, you should avoid violating privacy laws by not installing cameras in areas like changing rooms or restrooms.

But assuming these recording practices are above-board, how can a business owner legally use the resulting security cam footage?

Posting Online to Catch Thieves, Vandals
Businesses need a legitimate business interest to record their customers and employees and one of the most common is to prevent theft or other crimes from occurring on their property.

In addition to providing security-cam footage to law enforcement, some businesses have had success with posting surveillance footage of thieves online.

By allowing footage of a theft suspect to go viral, a business may hope to catch the alleged thief and deter future theft on its premises.

If you decide to do this, there is likely no need to “blur out” patrons’ faces, as the business is not employing any person’s image or likeness for commercial benefit.

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