Privacy & Surveillance in Pennsylvania (2026)
4 rules on the books across Pennsylvania, 2 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.
Philadelphia
Some RestrictionsPhiladelphia requires any business running a video surveillance system to retain its footage unrecycled for at least…
Read full rule →Pittsburgh
Few RestrictionsPittsburgh's public-camera privacy ordinance governs only City-owned and government-funded cameras aimed at the public…
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.
License Plate Readers
Rules governing automated license plate readers (ALPR) operated by police and HOAs, including data-retention limits, sharing restrictions, and audit requirements.