Ring, Wyze, Nest, and other DIY “home” camera systems are everywhere—and it’s easy to see why. They’re inexpensive, quick to install, and they give business owners a sense of control.
But there’s a problem most people don’t discover until after a complaint, an employee dispute, or an attorney gets involved:
If your cameras record audio, you could inadvertently be violating recording laws—exposing your business to serious legal liability.
This is especially important for businesses across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, where multi-state operations, employees, and customers can make compliance even more complicated.
DIY home cameras in a workplace: why they can create compliance issues
DIY cameras are built for residential use, not commercial environments. In a business, you have:
- More people moving through the space (employees, customers, vendors)
- More sensitive conversations (HR, payroll, customer information, pricing)
- Different expectations of privacy depending on the area
And many DIY cameras include microphones that are enabled by default, easy to toggle on, or can be re-enabled after an update.
Video vs. Audio: Why NJ, PA & DE Businesses Face Audio Risks
In many cases, video surveillance in common areas of a business can be lawful when installed and used correctly.
Audio recording is different. Depending on the state, recording audio may require consent from:
- One party, or
- All parties
If you have locations, employees, or customers across NJ, PA, and DE, you should treat audio recording as a high-risk feature and verify your settings and signage.
For a practical overview (and a helpful NJ-specific breakdown), see our related article:
Common ways businesses accidentally create legal exposure
Here are real-world scenarios that can create problems—often without the owner realizing it:
- A camera at the front desk captures customer conversations.
- A camera in a warehouse picks up employee conversations during breaks.
- A hallway camera records audio from nearby offices.
- A camera near an HR or manager’s office captures sensitive discussions.
- A system update re-enables audio that was previously turned off.
Even if your intent is purely security, audio recording can trigger complaints, disputes, and legal complications.
“But it’s my building—can’t I record whatever I want?”
Not necessarily.
Recording laws vary by state, and privacy expectations can change based on the location (public-facing areas vs. private areas). Employee-related issues can also add complexity.
The safest approach is to treat surveillance as a risk-managed system—not a consumer gadget.
Quick checklist: reduce risk without losing security coverage
If you already have DIY cameras in your business, these steps can reduce risk quickly:
- Audit every camera and confirm whether audio recording is enabled
- Disable audio where it’s not clearly needed and legally appropriate
- Review camera placement to avoid private or sensitive areas
- Add signage where required (and make it visible)
- Document your settings so you can verify them after updates
If you’re unsure, a professional assessment can help you keep the coverage you want—without accidentally creating liability.
When it’s time to upgrade to a commercial-grade system
DIY cameras can be useful in limited situations, but many businesses outgrow them quickly. A commercial-grade system is typically a better fit when you need:
- Clear policies and intentional configuration (including audio controls)
- Better cybersecurity and network segmentation
- Reliable video retention and export for incidents
- Scalable coverage across multiple areas or buildings
- Professional documentation and service support
Serving businesses across South Jersey, Southeast PA & New Castle County, DE
Systems Integrations helps businesses improve security without creating compliance headaches. We design and install commercial-grade systems that are built for real workplaces—then configure them intentionally.
We support clients across:
- New Jersey: Gloucester, Camden, Salem, Cape May, Atlantic, Burlington, Ocean, Mercer, Cumberland
- Pennsylvania: Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Montgomery, Berks, Bucks
- Delaware: New Castle County
If you’re searching for:
- commercial security cameras in South Jersey
- business video surveillance installers near Philadelphia
- access control and CCTV for manufacturers in Gloucester County
- security camera system upgrades in New Castle County, DE
…this is exactly the type of risk we help you avoid.
Bottom line
DIY cameras are marketed as “simple security.” In a business environment, they can become a compliance issue—especially when audio recording is involved.
If you have Ring, Wyze, Nest, or other DIY cameras installed in your workplace in NJ, PA, or DE, it’s worth taking a few minutes to confirm your settings and placement. Security should reduce risk—not create it.
Want a quick professional opinion?
If you tell us what state your business is in and what cameras you’re using, we can help you identify the biggest risk points (especially around audio) and recommend a safer setup.