Can my neighbor record me on my property in Kentucky? What laws say

Smile! You're on camera.

As personal surveillance and doorbell cameras become more common, your odds of being photographed and videoed, even unknowingly, are steadily rising. SafeHome.org, a home security product review website , estimates 94 million U.S. households have some form of home surveillance.

As home alarm systems and doorbell cameras become increasingly more popular, here's what to know about recording laws in Kentucky.

What are Kentucky's rules about video surveillance?

Across the nation, and in Kentucky, video recording in public areas is generally allowed. But under the Fourth Amendment and the landmark Supreme Court case Katz v. United States , there are some places where people have a "reasonable expectation of privacy."

These places include bedrooms, bathrooms, locker rooms, clinics or hospitals, cashier lines and more. Under Louisville's ordinances , anyone recording or taking photos in a "privacy area" could be subject to a $100-$500 fine and face up to 12 months in jail.

When it comes to putting up surveillance or recording equipment, like home security or doorbell cameras, a good rule of thumb is to keep them aimed at your property or public spaces, like the front of a home, according to home security installers.

Aiming cameras into neighbors' bedrooms or fenced-in backyards could be seen as a violation of privacy.

Can my neighbor audio record me?

Kentucky is a one-party consent state when it comes to audio recording, so as long as one person in the conversation consents to the audio recording, it's legal.

Reach reporter Keely Doll at kdoll@courierjournal.com or follow her on X at @keely_doll.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Can my neighbor record my backyard in Kentucky? What laws say