Privacy Law Library

Video Voyeurism Prevention Act of 2004

VVPA

Other

This criminal law bars intentionally capturing images of a person's private areas without consent where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. It applies only within federal maritime and territorial jurisdiction; state laws cover most other places.

Where
Federal
Citation
18 U.S.C. 1801
Status
In force
In force since
2004-12-23
Enforced by
U.S. Department of Justice
People can sue
No
Penalties
Fine, imprisonment up to one year, or both.
Applies to
  • Individuals and entities acting within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States (e.g., federal property)

Practices it requires

  • Do not knowingly capture an image of an individual's private area without consent under circumstances where the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy.18 U.S.C. 1801(a)

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.

Research reference, not legal advice.