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PA: private organization has video surveillance recording 24/7 for all the right reasons. President of organization now has live streaming video capability into his home. Apart from 'creepy' feelings by all patrons - this is a veteran organization - are there any legal issues we can cite to get the live streaming ceased?
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United States State (if USA): Pennsylvania Already Tried: Search of 1974 Privacy Act; Video Surveillance Act of 1985 & 2010 to no avail, and a few other websites but situation not addressed tha I can find.
Hello and thank you for the opportunity to assist you. There may be a slight delay between your follow ups and my replies as I am typing out my answer. Please understand the following important points: (1) this is general information only, not legal advice; and (2) my function is to give you honest information and not to tell you what you necessarily wish to hear.This is an unusual situation. Can you please explain if the President of the organization is aware of this filming, and where is it broadcast?This not an answer, but an Information Request. I need this information to answer your question. Please reply, so I can answer your question. I look forward to helping you.
The commander of this VFW post is one person. The president oversees the home assn (made up of non-vet members) and a former commander of this post. President purchased the video surveillance equipment but did not reveal his abililty to live-stream from home until later when it more or less "leaked" out. Yearly dues to join the organization are rec'd and although we have accepted the video recording 24/7 both inside and outside the building for security issues, etc., the live streaming seems unnecessary by all. I am a former officer in the ladies auxiliary and want to address the situation (that never was approved via vote) in their next meeting if possible.
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Welcome and thank you for your question!Please clarify: are the cameras focus on the VFW hall itself?
Failed to mention Pres a few months ago resigned from position to take Bar Mgr weekly-paid position to run bar. His power over people has gone a bit overboard, including watching bartenders live-streaming from home. The cameras inside focus mostly on bar, and back storage area for walk-in cooler, freezer, supplies and bar mgr desk and safe...3-4 cameras in bar alone, which is not large by normal standards. The latest "up in arms" issue revealed was the installer (bar mgr's future son-in-law) admitted to watching the live streaming from HIS home also since he established password XXXXX viewing, etc. We just want to get rid of the live streaming and believe the commander of our post can do so by his word alone. However, having something legal to reference would end it all.
Thank you.There is no law which prohibits the recording or the live-streaming. All of the areas that you described are "public" in the legal sense. In other words, the individuals have no expectation of privacy. This is why you see so many webcams in restaurants/bars. It's a perfectly legal practice.Now, the Post is free to adopt its own internal policy to prohibit this practice. You are a self-regulating organization. You can establish and enforce those rules that you establish.However, again, the practice itself does not violate any existing laws.It has been my pleasure to assist you today with your information needs. It is my goal that you are satisfied. No expert can promise you an answer that is favorable to your circumstances. But I will do my very best to explain the legal principles that are related to the facts you’ve described so that you can better understand the “why” of things. What are your options now?If you wish to continue this conversation, click on the Continue Conversation link. If you are satisfied that I have answered your question, then please rate the answer with a four or a five so that I receive credit for assisting you. Positive ratings are the only way I receive credit for assisting you today.IF you feel the need to click either "Helped a little" or "I expected more," then do not rate me (not yet, anyway!). Instead, reply to me using the REPLY or CONTINUE CONVERSATION button. Specify what additional information you need and I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek. Thanks, ~~ J.B.
Experience: Explains legal matters based on 14+ years experience.