Pennsylvania is a two-party (all-party) consent state. Recording private conversations without the consent of ALL parties is a third-degree felony under 18 Pa.C.S. §5703. This applies to audio recording on security cameras, phone calls, and in-person conversations in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania's Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act (18 Pa.C.S. §5703) makes it illegal to intercept, record, or disclose any oral, wire, or electronic communication without the consent of all parties. This is one of the strictest recording laws in the nation. For security cameras in Philadelphia, video-only recording is legal in areas without privacy expectations. However, adding audio recording to outdoor security cameras that may capture neighbor conversations requires all-party consent. Phone call recording requires consent of all parties on the call. The law applies to both digital and analog recording methods. Exceptions exist for law enforcement with proper court authorization, emergency situations, and recordings made by parties to the conversation who believe they may be threatened. Violations are classified as a third-degree felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
Illegal recording is a third-degree felony: up to 7 years imprisonment and $15,000 fine. Illegally obtained recordings are inadmissible in court. Civil liability also applies—victims can sue for damages.
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