Can you film people and record conversations in Georgia?
Personal filming, surveillance cameras and criminal liability.
Short answer
For purely personal purposes the data protection law does not cover filming people, but unlawfully recording a private conversation or spreading personal data can be punished under the Criminal Code. Unlawfully recording or eavesdropping on private conversations under Article 158 is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for two to four years. Surveillance cameras are allowed for safety but banned in changing rooms and toilets.
Why
- The personal data protection law does not apply to data processing by an individual in purely personal or household activity (Article 2).
- Video monitoring is allowed for crime prevention and public safety, and a sign must warn about the camera (Article 10).
- Article 157 of the Criminal Code punishes spreading private-life information and personal data, and Article 158 punishes violating the secrecy of private communication.
Details
The personal data protection law (Article 10) requires whoever runs video monitoring to set the purpose, duration and storage period in writing and to place a visible sign with the controller's name and contact details. A private individual monitoring a residential building does not have to meet these written requirements. The law has separate exemptions for the media and for artistic, academic and literary purposes (Article 2).
Under Article 157 of the Criminal Code, spreading private-life information or personal data that causes considerable damage is punishable by a fine, corrective labour or imprisonment up to 3 years, and up to 4 years if done through the internet or social networks. Article 158 covers recording and eavesdropping on private conversations and the later use of the recordings. What else to avoid on a trip is explained in What is banned for tourists in Georgia and what they are fined for.
Tip
Do not record other people's private conversations, and do not post a video in which a person is recognisable and could be harmed by the exposure without their consent.
What may differ
Cameras in shops, workplaces and residential buildings, journalists and filming indoors are each subject to their own requirements. In a disputed situation it is better to consult a lawyer.
Common misconception
Filming strangers on the street and posting the video online has no consequences because it is a public place.
What actually happens
The personal data law does not apply to purely personal use, but Article 157 of the Criminal Code punishes spreading private-life information and personal data through the internet and social networks if it causes considerable damage.
People also ask
- Is it legal to record a conversation in Georgia?
Sources
This answer is for reference and does not replace advice from a lawyer. Penalties are given as in the text of the Criminal Code on the date of checking.
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