Illinois Eavesdropping Act 720 ILCS 5/14 makes it a felony to record private conversations without consent of all parties. Doorbell cameras with audio capture in Cook County must avoid recording private conversations on adjacent properties. BIPA 740 ILCS 14 governs facial templates.
Illinois is a two-party consent state under 720 ILCS 5/14. Recording video alone is generally lawful in public-view areas. Recording audio of any private conversation without all parties consenting is a Class 4 felony. Doorbell cameras like Ring and Nest pointed at public sidewalks are typically fine. Cameras whose audio captures conversations on neighbor porches or yards, where reasonable expectation of privacy exists, can violate the statute. Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act 740 ILCS 14 also restricts use of facial recognition and voice templates. Cook County has no separate camera registry. Chicago runs a voluntary registration program; suburban Cook municipalities vary.
Audio recording of private conversations without consent is a Class 4 felony punishable by 1 to 3 years imprisonment and fines up to $25,000. BIPA violations bring private right of action with $1,000 to $5,000 statutory damages per violation.
See how Evanston's doorbell camera disclosures rules stack up against other locations.
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