Rhode Island
Rhode Island Video Recording Laws: Surveillance, Filming, and Privacy Rules (2026)
Rhode Island places no general restriction on video recording in public spaces. Recording in private areas where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy is prohibited under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-2, which carries a penalty of up to 3 years in prison.
Rhode Island places few restrictions on video recording in public but enforces strong protections against voyeurism and non-consensual intimate images. The state updated its laws in 2025 to cover AI-generated deepfakes. Video voyeurism under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-2 carries up to 3 years in prison.
This guide covers public filming rights, voyeurism and intimate image laws, the 2025 deepfake update, workplace surveillance, and video evidence rules.
Public Video Recording
Rhode Island has no law prohibiting video recording in public. You can film on streets, sidewalks, parks, at protests, and during public meetings under the Open Meetings Act (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-46).
Video Voyeurism: R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-2
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-2 makes it a crime to use recording devices to capture images of a person in a state of undress or engaged in sexual activity in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
| Offense | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Video voyeurism | 3 years prison, $5,000 fine |
| Unauthorized dissemination (1st) | 1 year prison, $1,000 fine |
| Unauthorized dissemination (2nd or sub. base, (d)) | 3 years prison, $3,000 fine |
| Sextortion (§ 11-64-3(e)) | 5 years prison, $5,000 fine |
| Removal-extortion (§ 11-64-3(f)) | 5 years prison, $5,000 fine |
2025 Update: AI-Generated Deepfakes
In July 2025, Rhode Island expanded R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-3 to cover AI-generated and digitally altered intimate content. Creating or sharing synthetic intimate images of a real person without consent is now a crime.
Workplace Video Surveillance
Employers can install cameras in common areas. Cameras cannot be in bathrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas.
More Rhode Island Recording Laws
Audio Recording | Video Recording | Voyeurism & Hidden Cameras | Workplace Recording | Recording Police | Phone Call Recording | Security Cameras | Recording in Public | Landlord-Tenant | Dashcam Laws | Schools | Medical Recording
Back to Rhode Island Recording Laws
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to [video record someone in Rhode Island without their knowledge?
In public, yes. In private settings where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy, recording without consent](/is-it-illegal-to-video-record-someone-without-their-consent) violates the voyeurism statute.
Does Rhode Island have a revenge porn law?
Yes. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-3 covers unauthorized dissemination of intimate images. A first offense is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year). Subsequent offenses are felonies (up to 5 years). The 2025 update also covers AI-generated deepfakes.
What is the penalty for video voyeurism in Rhode Island?
Video voyeurism under § 11-64-2 carries up to 3 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Does Rhode Island's 2025 deepfake law cover AI-generated intimate images?
Yes. Rhode Island expanded § 11-64-3 in July 2025 to criminalize creating or sharing AI-generated synthetic intimate images of real people without consent.
Can video recordings be used as evidence in Rhode Island courts?
Yes. Lawfully obtained video recordings are generally admissible. The recording must be authenticated, relevant, and not unduly prejudicial.
Sources and References
- R.I. § 11-64-2(law.justia.com)
- RI General Assembly(rilegislature.gov).gov
- FAA UAS(faa.gov).gov
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-2 - Video Voyeurism(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-3 - Unauthorized Dissemination of Intimate Images(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
- R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-46 - Open Meetings Act(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov