Yes, installing hidden cameras in your home is legal in Romania, but only under strict privacy safeguards. Romanian law permits surveillance within private property if it does not infringe on others’ rights or violate the GDPR. Unauthorized recording of third parties without consent may trigger penalties under Law 677/2001 on personal data protection, enforced by the National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP). Recent 2026 draft amendments propose stricter penalties for covert recordings in shared spaces, emphasizing proportionality.
Key Regulations for Hidden Cameras in Your Home in Romania
- Consent Requirement: Recording conversations or activities of third parties (e.g., guests, employees) without explicit consent is prohibited under Article 5 of Law 677/2001, aligning with GDPR Article 6. ANSPDCP has fined households €500–€5,000 for unauthorized recordings of domestic workers or visitors.
- Proportionality Principle: Cameras must target only your private space (e.g., interior rooms). Pointing devices at common areas (hallways, stairwells) or neighboring properties violates Article 9 of the same law, even if the footage is not shared.
- Data Retention Limits: Recorded data must be deleted within 30 days unless justified for legal claims. ANSPDCP’s 2025 guidance mandates encryption for stored footage to prevent breaches under Law 363/2018 on cybersecurity.
Exemptions exist for self-defense recordings (e.g., documenting theft), but courts require evidence of imminent threat. Public dissemination of such footage remains subject to defamation laws (Penal Code Article 205). Always notify visitors of surveillance via visible signs, as ANSPDCP considers this a mitigating factor in enforcement actions.