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All of CanadaUpdated April 2026

Surveillance: Cameras, Drones, and Recording

When video and audio surveillance is legal in Canada, including home security cameras, drone use, dashcams, and covert recording.

TL;DR

Surveillance is regulated by a mix of privacy, criminal, and tort law. Private surveillance of your own property is generally allowed, but you cannot record private conversations of which you are not a part. Drones are regulated by Transport Canada rules.

Home security cameras

You can install cameras on your own property pointing at your own land or entrances.

Cameras that capture your neighbour's private areas (backyard, bedroom windows) or public spaces beyond what is necessary may breach privacy expectations and could lead to complaints or civil claims.

Recording conversations

Section 184 of the Criminal Code prohibits intercepting a private communication, but there is a single-party consent exception: you can record a conversation you are part of.

Recording a private conversation you are not part of, without authorization, is a criminal offence.

Civil privacy torts (intrusion upon seclusion) may still apply to recordings that are legal under the Criminal Code.

Drones

Drones are regulated by Transport Canada. Privacy law also applies: drone footage of identifiable individuals can be personal information. The OPC has published guidance on drone use.

Dashcams

Dashcams pointed at the road are generally acceptable, but continuous audio recording inside the vehicle of passengers without notice can raise privacy concerns.

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