Privacy & Surveillance in Missouri (2026)
8 rules on the books across Missouri, 6 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Security Camera Rules
Rules about where residential security cameras can point, whether they can record neighbors' property, audio recording consent requirements, and HOA restrictions on camera placement.
Independence
Heavy RestrictionsIndependence requires hotels/motels, convenience stores, and tobacco stores to install and maintain video surveillance…
Read full rule →Florissant
Some RestrictionsFlorissant does not regulate home security cameras, but it requires them at certain businesses. Convenience stores must…
Read full rule →Facial Recognition Ban
City bans on government use of facial-recognition technology, scope (police vs other agencies), exceptions (e.g., still-image post-incident review), and enforcement.
Columbia
Significant RestrictionsColumbia, Missouri police cannot acquire or deploy facial recognition software without a public city council hearing…
Read full rule →Kansas City
Significant RestrictionsKansas City's automated traffic camera law bars authorized employees from using artificial intelligence or facial…
Read full rule →St. Louis
Significant RestrictionsSt. Louis prohibits police and its camera vendor from using artificial intelligence or facial recognition to identify…
Read full rule →License Plate Readers
Rules governing automated license plate readers (ALPR) operated by police and HOAs, including data-retention limits, sharing restrictions, and audit requirements.
Columbia
Significant RestrictionsColumbia, Missouri automatic license plate readers are regulated 'surveillance technology' under Boone County's city…
Read full rule →St. Louis
Significant RestrictionsSt. Louis requires Board of Aldermen approval before any city agency can acquire, fund, or share automatic license…
Read full rule →St. Louis County
Light RestrictionsSt. Louis County lets its County Executive sign no-cost contracts with municipalities and private companies to install…
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