AUGUSTA - A bill to strengthen Mainer's privacy rights, LD 1021, sponsored by Rep. Steve Moriarty, D-Cumberland, is now law.
The impetus for this bill came from concerns about stalking by drone or unmanned aerial vehicles. The Maine Criminal Codes statute governing privacy violations previously only prohibited audio recording in a private location, leaving an unintended loophole open for invasions of privacy by drone or other visual recording devices.
This measure alters the section of Maine Criminal Code concerning privacy violations by prohibiting the unauthorized use of a device for both audio and visual recording where an individual would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in their home or on their property.
"This change ensures that when your kids are playing in the yard, when you're relaxing in your home or spending time with friends and loved ones on your porch, you can rest assured that you will be protected under the law from unknown and unwanted photographing and recording," said Moriarty. "This addresses a truly modern problem that would have been unimaginable when the original statute was written. Technology is changing and this bill is an important step toward ensuring our laws reflect those changes."
The bill received support from the Criminal Law Advisory Commission and the Aroostook County District Attorneys office.
Moriarty's measure will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.
Moriarty, who represents Cumberland and part of Gray, is serving his third non-consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives. He sits on the Judiciary Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Moriarty], c. 812-1111