Privacy & Surveillance in New York (2026)
7 rules on the books across New York, 5 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.
Buffalo
Some RestrictionsEvery licensed food store in Buffalo must keep working interior and exterior surveillance cameras with 30 days of…
Read full rule →Clarkstown
Some RestrictionsClarkstown's Town Code § 157-81 lets homeowners run private surveillance cameras but bars any camera whose field of…
Read full rule →Yonkers
Some RestrictionsYonkers doesn't regulate home security cameras, but it does mandate them for certain businesses: alcohol sellers…
Read full rule →Recording & Consent Laws
State and local laws about recording audio and video, one-party vs two-party consent requirements, and when recordings can be used as evidence in disputes.
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.
License Plate Readers
Rules governing automated license plate readers (ALPR) operated by police and HOAs, including data-retention limits, sharing restrictions, and audit requirements.
New York
Some RestrictionsNew York City's POST Act treats license plate readers as surveillance technology: NYPD must post a public…
Read full rule →Westchester County
Some RestrictionsWestchester County's only codified plate-camera rule is Chapter 708. Images and license plate data from school bus…
Read full rule →