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Take a bus ride in MD --- get recorded ??

MKEgal

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2010
Messages
4,383
Location
in front of my computer, WI
Unfortunately, in a public place people have no reasonable expectation of privacy.
As long as they're allowed to record public servants on the job, I'd say it's fair.
Creepy, but fair.
To hold a private conversation, whisper in e.o. ear.
 

sudden valley gunner

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2008
Messages
16,674
Location
Whatcom County
Unfortunately, in a public place people have no reasonable expectation of privacy.
As long as they're allowed to record public servants on the job, I'd say it's fair.
Creepy, but fair.
To hold a private conversation, whisper in e.o. ear.

In my opinion public servants/employees, government don't have rights we do, in my opinion it isn't a two way street.
 

Jack House

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2010
Messages
2,611
Location
I80, USA
If the company that owns and runs the buses want this, so be it. It's kinda needed in that regard. But as far as the government is concerned, I think they should be required to obtain warrants anytime they wish to actively spy on someone and should only be allowed to obtain warrants for specific reasons.
 

markand

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2006
Messages
512
Location
VA
Interesting, and perhaps ironic. MD is one of the states where you are NOT allowed to record a conversation without consent of all parties. I believe a case involving a citizen recording a MD state trooper during a traffic stop is in the courts. MD gets around its own law prohibiting such recordings by posting a sign on the bus to the effect that riders give consent by using the bus.

I wonder what value these recordings might be as a practical matter. It must be very hard to discern a conversation to any degree of reliability with all the background noise and other conversations going on.
 

Jack House

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2010
Messages
2,611
Location
I80, USA
Cellphones have amazing background noise cancelling technology, and they're tiny little devices that get sold for prices ranging from free to a couple hundred.

I'm sure they can work something out for the buses. No need to worry! :p

As for MD's wiretapping laws: Don't you know? Laws only apply to the citizenry, not the state. Well, except the laws that benefit the state and it's sponsors.
 
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