Definition of Privacy

• Privacy is defined in modern tort law to include four main areas: intrusion of solitude, public disclosure of private facts, presenting an individual in a false light and identity theft. Privacy in relation to hearing devices relates to the intrusion of solitude.
  
  

State Laws

• Several state laws prohibit the intrusion of solitude in a person's private quarters or when an individual has a reasonable belief they are interacting in a private setting. For instance, Article 1 of the California Constitution ensures a right "to privacy." Also, the New York Penal Code prohibits the surreptitious interception of any audible conversations from homes or other private dwelling places. Also, the New York penal code restricts the possession of eavesdropping devices when the intent is to use them in violating the above statutes.
  
  

Punishments

• Punishment for breaking the privacy laws with hearing or listening devices varies by state and the severity of the crime. For instance, in New York, unlawful surveillance is a Class E felony and punishable by not more than four years in prison.