Recording video is generally allowed in both Australia and New Zealand, but recording audio carries stricter rules in most Australian states, since surveillance device legislation treats audio (private conversations) differently to video. New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020 applies similar principles. In both countries, it is safer to disable audio recording unless you have a specific, clearly justified reason to enable it.
Why does audio get treated differently to video?
Most Australian state surveillance device laws specifically restrict recording a "private conversation" without consent, a category that does not apply the same way to visual footage of someone in a public or semi-public area. Audio can capture a conversation nobody intended to be recorded, which is treated as a more serious privacy intrusion.
Does this apply the same way to businesses as homes?
Businesses face more scrutiny here, particularly around staff conversations near a till or in a break area, which is why commercial CCTV audio should generally stay off unless there is a specific, documented reason and staff have been clearly informed.
Video-only vs audio-enabled CCTV, by context
|
Context |
Video only |
Audio enabled |
|---|---|---|
|
Home driveway/entry |
Generally fine |
Higher legal risk, generally avoid |
|
Business till/counter |
Generally fine |
Higher legal risk without clear justification |
|
Two-way intercom/doorbell talk |
Fine, this is a real-time conversation feature, not covert recording |
N/A, different use case |
Real product check
Many current cameras ship with audio hardware built in, useful for two-way doorbell-style communication but worth actively disabling for continuous recording. The Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2-IU with mic includes optional audio that can be left off in the camera settings if continuous audio recording is not something you want to manage the legal exposure for.
Shop Cameras and Intercoms with Audio Features
Need security devices with two-way audio, built-in microphones, intercom calling, or smart alerts? Compare CCTV cameras, intercom systems, and NVR options suitable for homes, shops, offices, and commercial security setups.
FAQ
Does a doorbell camera's two-way talk feature count as covert recording?
No, two-way talk is a live conversation both parties know is happening in real time, which is a different scenario to continuous, undisclosed audio recording.
Browse security camera systems, most configurable with audio recording switched off.
