Duval County

Posting your home surveillance video could get you in trouble, law expert says

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Warning your neighbor about potential danger seems to be the right thing to do, especially if you’re concerned for their safety. Now, instead using word of mouth, people are taking to social media groups and apps.

Recently, families have been using doorbell cameras as an extra layer of protection to keep an eye out for criminals.

While sharing what a camera picks up is not a crime, describing what you think happened could land you in the middle of a lawsuit.

Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson said if you can’t prove it, don’t post it.

“You suggest that somebody’s doing something improper and it turns out not to be true, you’re the one who’s going to suffer the penalty,“ Carson said. “We’re sending something out there that puts them in a very poor light. Perhaps that could be arguably something that causes defamation to their character.“

We found several posts from people across social media, posting similar photos and videos of what they believe could be criminal activity. While some of these posts prompt more people to come forward with similar stories, Carson said you can warn your neighbors without accusing someone of a crime.

“All you have to do is not explain what you think the conduct is,“ Carson said.

He added that the best thing to do is talk with your neighbors if you think there is something they should be looking out for.