# Hidden Camera Shows
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hidden-camera-shows/122614
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [August 6, 2002, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hidden-camera-shows/122614 "2002-08-06T15:06:45Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@BZ00000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BZ00000)
#### Post date: [August 6, 2002, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hidden-camera-shows/122614/1 "2002-08-06T15:06:45Z")
Are these shows all fake? I thought it was illegal to knowingly record someone’s voice without their consent? I am sure they get consent afterward, but don’t they legally need it before they record someone?
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### Author:  [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)
#### Post date: [August 6, 2002, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hidden-camera-shows/122614/2 "2002-08-06T15:30:14Z")
Depends on the state. Some states allow recording if either side agrees. So you produce the show in those states and you’re OK.
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### Author:  [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)
#### Post date: [August 6, 2002, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hidden-camera-shows/122614/3 "2002-08-06T15:36:04Z")
As further clarification: the laws only apply to phone calls. There are no laws requiring permission to videotape someone (otherwise, you’d have to get permission if a stranger is in the video of your trip to the beach). However, you cannot broadcast that video without permission.