Bathroom Cameras: Necessary Security or a Violation of Privacy?
NBC News recently reported that a Florida man is suing his city for violation of privacy because of cameras in bathrooms at Colohatchee Park.
The man believed the bathroom cameras violated his privacy, and believes local police were watching him use the restrooms. According to the man’s lawyer, the city initially installed the cameras because it wanted to prevent sexual contact in the bathrooms. The man believes the city has gone too far.
In an interesting twist, the police actually arrested the man for indecent public exposure in the bathroom—which they witnessed via the cameras. The charges were later dropped, but this does make you wonder—maybe the man’s bathroom activities weren’t all innocent?
There is always a fine line between enhanced security and personal rights—stores face this issue with changing room cameras meant to prevent shoplifting, for example. But does installing cameras in bathrooms go to far? When you go to the bathroom, you believe you’re in a private space—even if you’re using public property.