Privacy & Surveillance in Seattle, WA (2026)
2 verified privacy & surveillance rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recording & Consent Laws
Washington is a two-party (all-party) consent state under RCW 9.73.030. Recording any private conversation without consent from all parties is a gross misdemeanor. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, and audio features on security cameras.
Recording Laws in Seattle and Washington State
Heavy RestrictionsRCW 9.73.030 — Intercepting, recording, or divulging private communication
RCW 9.73.030 — Intercepting, recording, or divulging private communication — Consent required — Exceptions. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or the state of Washington, its agencies, and political subdivisions to intercept, or record any: (a) Private communication transmitted by telephone, telegraph...
License Plate Readers
Before Seattle Police or any city department can acquire an automated license plate reader or similar surveillance technology, SMC 14.18 requires City Council ordinance approval plus a public Surveillance Impact Report covering data retention, access controls and any sharing with outside agencies.
Seattle Surveillance Technology Ordinance
Significant RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code 14.18.020.A
Unless exempted or excepted from the requirements of this Chapter 14.18 pursuant to Section 14.18.030, any City department intending to acquire surveillance technology shall, prior to acquisition, obtain Council ordinance approval of the acquisition and a surveillance impact report for the technology. A City department that directs a non-City entity to acquire or operate surveillance technology...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Privacy & Surveillance in King County →